UNION SPED DOO DOBANOVCI

Project Background

The construction of the new Sava Bridge in Belgrade is one of the most complex and strategically important infrastructure projects in Serbia. It required the transport and handling of oversized and heavy bridge structures under strict technical, safety, and regulatory conditions, within a dense urban environment.

Logistics Challenge

The key challenge was to deliver heavy and oversized bridge components to a riverside construction site without permanent port infrastructure, while minimizing costs, operational risks, and impact on city traffic.

Conventional solutions proposed unloading the cargo at a port terminal, followed by road transport by heavy-duty trucks, resulting in higher costs, additional handling, and complex road permits.

Our Solution

We designed and implemented a customized logistics solution focused on direct river delivery:

• Direct barge-to-site delivery, eliminating intermediate port operations
• Adaptation of the riverbank terrain for temporary unloading and handling
• Securing all required permits and approvals for unloading at a non-standard location
• Deployment of heavy-duty cranes with lifting capacities of 1,200 tons and 500 tons
• Full coordination of barge operations, crane lifting, and on-site logistics

By excluding truck transport from the logistics chain, our solution achieved the lowest overall cost compared to alternative port + road transport scenarios.

Key Figures

• 15 barges
• 7,000 tons of bridge structures
• 25,500 m3 total cargo volume
• Cargo handling and transshipment at the Port of Constanta, followed by inland waterway transport from Constanta to Belgrade and direct unloading at the construction site

Results & Impact

• Lowest-cost logistics solution among proposed alternatives
• Reduced handling points and operational risk
• Optimized delivery timelines
• No impact on urban road traffic

Conclusion

This project demonstrates our ability to deliver economically optimized and technically advanced logistics solutions for complex infrastructure projects by combining inland waterway transport, port handling expertise, regulatory knowledge, and on-site operational adaptation.

Did you know that Union Sped procured, imported, and delivered the pipe that connected the Serbian and Bulgarian sections of the gas pipeline?

With great pride, we present our role as the main logistics provider for the Turkish Stream project. In 2019, we were honored to be selected to take part in a project of national and regional importance. Union Sped played a key role in ensuring energy stability and transit efficiency for Serbia and the wider region, handling all logistics and customs operations with precision and reliability.

Project Scope

Union Sped managed customs clearance for 40,000 pipes and all accompanying equipment for the 400 km gas pipeline route. Deliveries arrived through various transport modes and to multiple sites across Serbia. As the main logistics provider, we were responsible for the planning and execution of complex logistics operations and customs procedures under strict HSE standards.

Logistics Operations

We established and equipped eight warehouse sites along the route - in Zajecar, Cuprija, Velika Plana, Kovin, Sajkas, Titel, Elemir, and Senta - ensuring efficient construction progress. Each location was adapted for heavy truck access, equipped with cranes featuring special clamps to prevent damage, and fully supplied with power, water, internet, and office facilities. Over 300 workers were engaged on-site, maintaining daily operations in compliance with strict safety and quality standards.

Efficient Handling and Storage

At the storage sites, up to six cranes operated in multiple shifts, supported by warehouse teams, HSE officers, and base managers. Every pipe underwent detailed inspection before being placed on custom-built wooden saddles - Union Sped procured 1,000 km of timber to ensure safe and proper storage. Through process optimization, 400,000 tons of material were efficiently prepared for installation along the pipeline.

Proven Expertise

The successful completion of this complex project demonstrated Union Sped ability to adapt to demanding logistics challenges and deliver results with efficiency, reliability, and precision - confirming our role as a trusted logistics partner for large-scale infrastructure projects.