Page 26 - Case Study Annual 2018

LAA Gold Award

African Dream

The African Dream, a luxury houseboat built in Zimbabwe, started its journey from
Harare last year on the Chobe River. Manline Mega, a division of Barloworld Logistics, was
appointed to handle this massive project, which included a number of twists and turns.

The challenge start was, however, shortlived as on arrival in
Built in 2017, the African Dream is a three- Kazungula, due to unforeseen circumstances,
decked luxury houseboat which offers five- a decision was taken by the client to move
star cruises on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. the boat to Lake Kariba instead. This request
The 33m-long boat can accommodate up to posed a massive challenge regarding
16 guests at a time. Upon completion of the timelines and feasibility.
houseboat’s construction, Manline Mega, a
division of Barloworld Logistics, was tasked The solution
with the transportation of this prized vessel Manline Mega conducted four route surveys
to the Chobe River in Namibia. over a two-week period, resulting in a single
More than three months of planning went feasible route being identified – that of going
into the project, which included critical timing back via Harare and down the infamous
and calculation issues to ensure that the Makuti escarpment. This concept was agreed
project was conducted flawlessly. A detailed upon, and at this point the real challenge
feasibility study was undertaken, which began.
clearly defined the route. The boat would The engineering drawings had showed
travel from Harare to a designated launch that the combination was unable to traverse
point on the Chobe River, after which it would the hairpin bends on the escarpment.
sail to the Namibian side for commissioning. To overcome these obstacles, a new
The convoy departed Harare on 8 October configuration for the load was proposed,
and arrived at Kazungula on 24 October, which meant changing the combination
well in line with the planning. This smooth from a gooseneck/semi-trailer combination

24 The Logistics News Case Study Annual 2018