LD Freight Solutions completes a complex heavy-lift operation for Airbus Beluga Transport

LD Freight Solutions (LDFS), a specialized entity within LD Armateurs, has recently finalized an exceptional freight forwarding operation for Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT). The project involved transporting an out-of-gauge cargo measuring 25.2 meters long, 7.3 meters wide, and weighing 96 tons, demanding advanced engineering and logistical coordination. 

Multimodal and high-precision transport 

The oversized cargo was successfully moved through a multimodal route, combining road, inland waterways, and maritime transport. The logistics required three lifting operations — both in tandem and single-crane configurations — executed according to a precise plan and with constant attention to detail.

Internal expertise at the core 

The success of this project was made possible through the seamless involvement of LDA’s internal departments: 

• Engineering: development and validation of lifting and rigging plans 
• QHSE: implementation of a bespoke risk prevention and safety plan 
• Legal & Insurance: securing liabilities across forwarding and chartering phases 

Collaboration with top-tier partners 

LDFS partnered with several industry leaders for a coordinated execution: 

• Capelle – road transport logistics 
• Helmgale – ship brokerage 
• Sarens – heavy-lift equipment & supervision 
• REEL crane operator – lifting workforce 
• ASA – marine survey and cargo inspection 
• TGO – terminal operations 

Risk anticipation and operational control 

Special attention was given to risk prevention, including river bathymetry checks, equipment certification reviews, and dedicated coordination meetings to anticipate critical lifting phases. 

The operation was completed on-cost, on-time, and on-site, under direct LDFS supervision with full reporting to the client.