Moving Big Power: 7 Electrical Rooms from South Africa to the Philippines

The Challenge

Transporting Abnormal e-rooms across the globe is never straightforward, especially when dealing with oversized dimensions, abnormal routes, and tight project deadlines.

Our 1UP Cargo South Africa team was entrusted with the task of coordinating seven massive e-rooms for a major mining project in the Philippines. Each unit required specialized planning and transport from EXW, including FLT Hook-to-Hook Liner terms, moving from Heidelberg, South Africa, to FOB Manila via two part-charter breakbulk vessels.

Planning and coordination for this complex move spanned eight months, with challenges ranging from route planning, surveys, permits, escorts, and vessel scheduling to unexpected weather disruptions, including snow just 50 km from the loading point on departure day!

Despite every obstacle, our team kept the project moving, ensuring each unit was safely loaded, secured, and ready for its long voyage to the Philippines.

The 1UP Solution

Every e-room was meticulously prepared for transport, loaded under Marine Surveyor supervision, and shipped across two scheduled part-charter breakbulk vessels.The first four units departed early October 2025, followed by the remaining three units, including the control room, a week thereafter. In total, the project moved 237 tons of cargo across more than 1,850 CB, a significant milestone for 1UP Cargo’s industrial logistics division.

Technical Summary

• Origin: Heidelberg, South Africa

• Destination: Manila, Philippines

• Commodity: 7 Electrical Rooms (including Control Room)

• Total Volume: 1,851.48 CBM

• Total Weight: 237 Tons

• Shipment 1: 4 Electrical Rooms | 137 Tons | 1,014.37 CBM | Departed Oct 10, 2025

• Shipment 2: 3 Electrical Rooms (incl. Control Room) | 100 Tons | 837.11 CBM | Departed Oct 18, 2025

• Transit Distance (Origin to Port): 519 km

• Terms: FLT Hook-to-Hook

The Outcome

After months of detailed coordination and careful planning, both shipments have now successfully departed South Africa and are en route to the Philippines. From permits and escorts to weather delays and abnormal load restrictions, every challenge was met with precision and teamwork.

Upon arrival in Manila, the cargo will support the largest mine currently being established in the Philippines, a proud accomplishment for the 1UP Cargo network.

Why 1UP Cargo?

At 1UP Cargo, we thrive on the extraordinary. From oversized machinery to critical industrial infrastructure, our teams work across borders to deliver results with reliability and care.

Oversized? Overcome.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll share the final phase of this journey as our teams in the Philippines oversee arrival, clearance, and delivery to the site.