Mastering Complex Logistics: How to Move the Impossible

Two paths to complexity

At DB Schenker, complex logistics takes shape through two primary approaches, both designed to become an integrated part of the customer’s operations.

The first is Global Projects, which include large-scale EPC projects such as wind farms, power plants, and new factories. These projects typically involve cargo with extreme dimensions or weights that require specialized transport routes and infrastructure. In some cases, the destination is so remote or undeveloped that the logistics plan includes designing and building temporary infrastructure, such as ports or roads.

The second is Industry Solutions, where logistics strategies are tailored to the needs of specific sectors. For industries like oil, gas and mining we provide dedicated freight forwarding services. These projects often require long-term coordination, technical knowledge of specialized equipment, and region-specific expertise.

In mining, for example, logistics needs span the entire lifecycle of a site: from large-scale startup projects—where heavy and critical equipment must be transported to establish a new mine—to the continuous delivery of infrastructure and replacement parts needed throughout the mine’s lifespan. Managing these evolving requirements demands not only a deep understanding of the industry's operational cycles but also the ability to adapt logistics solutions over many years.

Planning starts years in advance

Our Global Projects and Industry Solutions team is a specialized, niche group of experts dedicated to managing the most complex logistics challenges. The GPIS team is involved long before any equipment begins to move. In many cases, planning starts one to two years ahead of transport. This early engagement allows the logistics team to influence technical design decisions. Thorough road surveys, route studies, and coordination with authorities are a routine part of the process.

For example, transporting 120-meter-long wind turbine blades is not something that can be done with short notice. Projects of this scale demand custom-built equipment, police escorts, and even the removal of infrastructure like road signs or power lines to clear the path.

Real-world examples of the extraordinary

Recent projects showcase the scale and complexity GPIS handles:

• The team played a pivotal role in advancing India's renewable energy sector by delivering 240 wind turbines from China to India. This complex logistics operation involved thorough planning and coordination to transport oversized components, demonstrating our expertise in managing large-scale, sustainable energy projects. The GPIS team manages the entire process: from pick-up and export clearance to loading, unloading, and handling ocean freight.
• After two years of preparation, our GPIS team in the U.S. completed its heaviest load to date. Two massive reactor vessels were safely loaded onto BigLift Shipping’s m/v Happy Sky at Porto Marghera, Italy. Now en route to the Port of New Orleans via ocean freight, the units will be delivered to a local refinery. The successful loading marks a major milestone in a complex logistics journey—one that began two years earlier and exemplifies the team’s ability to deliver under extraordinary conditions.
• One key milestone in Poland involved the arrival of Siemens Energy gas and steam turbine generators for the CCGT Rybnik Power Plant project. After arriving by ocean freight on a heavy lift vessel from Charleston, USA, the units are stored in Szczecin before being transported inland by river barge to a landing site in Kędzierzyn-Koźle. Navigating the Odra River and its canals—especially during winter—adds further complexity to the operation. The GPIS team and local partners manage each step with precision, drawing on deep expertise to keep the project moving forward smoothly.

Each of these projects highlights the importance of discretion, safety, and precise execution. In many cases, only a small, specialized team within DB Schenker is aware of the full scope of the work due to the sensitive nature of the cargo and its destinations.

Integrated, ongoing partnerships

At DB Schenker, we don't just move goods—we seamlessly integrate into our clients' operations. For customers in the energy sector, for example, the GPIS team handles everything from day-to-day shipments to large-scale infrastructure projects. This end-to-end approach covers various transport modes, ensuring smooth coordination throughout the project.

The team’s deep industry knowledge allows them to anticipate needs and respond quickly. When a client needs to move a transformer or maintenance equipment, for example, we already know the specifications, handling requirements, and the most efficient way of transporting them.

The human factor

Becoming a trusted logistics partner requires more than technical skill. Team members are not only subject matter experts in their industries but also excellent communicators. They routinely engage with everyone from engineers to procurement teams and must be able to translate logistical requirements into real-world solutions.

This mix of expertise and collaboration is what enables us to act as an extension of the client’s internal team, offering strategic guidance, quick execution, and consistent performance.

Nothing is too complex

With long experience in managing complex logistics projects, the team at DB Schenker has consistently found ways to deliver—even when the odds seem stacked against them. From marine engineers to chartering specialists, the organization brings together the right skills to overcome any challenge.

Our approach is straightforward: assess the challenge, gather the right people, and find a way forward. When others say it can't be done, we say, "bring it on”.