A ‘slewing ring’ or ‘turntable bearing’ is a rotational rolling-element bearing that typically supports a heavy but slow-turning load in combination (axial, radial and moment loads), and is often found in conventional crane, windmill, forklift attachments or welding turnover jigs, for example. Considering that slewing rings start as small as just 100 mm in diameter, the one transported by Trans Global Projects (TGP) in SEP24 from Germany to China, is a true giant. Its diameter measured 4.3 meters, and it weighed in at an eye-watering 6 tons. With that kind of size and weight, careful planning is all the more crucial for a safe flight – and these shipments usually require bespoke transport equipment, as was the case here. TGP was responsible for designing the frame to allow the ring to be safely loaded and stored in a Boeing 777F. The frame tilted the slewing rig to a loading width of 360 cm, so as to allow it to fit through the 372 cm-wide freighter door.
The oversized slewing ring which was indeed going to become the element of a crane in China, was successfully delivered overnight on 22SEP24. It had first been transported to Frankfurt Hahn Airport in Germany on 22SEP24, using a hydraulic tilt trailer system which avoided the need for a specialized road permit – as this would have taken a long time to acquire. It safely departed from Hahn Airport, landing in Zhengzhou Airport, China, the next day, well in advance of Golden Week celebrations so as to be unaffected by any related travel disruption.
TGP says that its tailored air cargo solution won the project as it offered a faster and more cost-efficient service than alternatives “such as the slower ocean freight or the complex, costly, and limited availability of an Antonov 124,” the press release explains. Gijs Vlasman, Head of Commercial – BENELUX, Trans Global Projects, said: “We all recognize the extraordinary effort and ingenuity required to achieve what initially seemed impossible. This slewing ring is one of – if not – the largest, most complex, and heaviest piece ever transported using a B-777F. Our success is a testament to the creative thinking and capabilities of our team.”
