Mammoet Transports Record-Breaking EO Reactors to Shell Scotford in Alberta
- Meagan Wood
- May 9, 2025
- 3 min read
30 Second Takeaway
Mammoet has successfully transported two 670-tonne Ethylene Oxide reactors from Dacro Industries to Shell Scotford in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. While not the heaviest individual cargoes moved in the province, the engineered transport configuration resulted in the heaviest total gross vehicle weights ever recorded on Alberta highways, setting a new benchmark for heavy haulage in Canada.
Record-Breaking Heavy Transport in Alberta
Mammoet has completed the successful transport of two Ethylene Oxide (EO) reactors from Dacro Industries to Shell Scotford, located in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland north of Fort Saskatchewan. The operation took place over the first two months of 2025 and represents a significant milestone in heavy transport within the province.
Each reactor weighed 670 tonnes, measured approximately 8.4 metres in diameter, and had a length of just 23 metres. The unusually short length relative to the reactors’ weight presented a complex engineering challenge, requiring innovative solutions from Mammoet’s engineering team.
Engineering Challenges and Innovative Solutions
Short, Heavy Cargo Requires New Approach
Unlike typical vessels of similar weight, which are usually longer and easier to distribute across multiple axles, the compact dimensions of the EO reactors required a unique transport strategy.
Curtis Barnett, Senior Operations Director at Mammoet Canada Western, explained:
“The primary challenge in moving vessels of this weight is in spreading out the load per axle on our trailers. Typically vessels like this are longer, but these are shorter than average and particularly heavy. That’s why we had to have the frame engineered to balance out the weight of each vessel across the two trailers.”
Record Gross Vehicle Weight
Heaviest Loads Ever on Alberta Highways
While the reactors themselves were lighter than Alberta’s previous record cargo the 800-tonne splitter vessel transported for the IPPL Heartland project in 2019 the total equipment required for the move set a new provincial record.
The transport trains reached a total gross vehicle weight of 1.76 million kilograms, making them the heaviest loads ever transported on Alberta highways.
Each transport configuration included two pull trucks and six push trucks, with the complete transport train extending just over 140 metres in length.
Custom Transport Frame and Trailer Configuration
Precision Engineering for Site Access
Mammoet’s engineering team fabricated a custom transport frame using four P55 beams from a Mammoet gantry system, fitted with specially designed end structures to securely cradle the reactors.
The frame was mounted on large turntables atop two 26-line double-wide intercombi trailers, allowing the transport to execute a critical 90-degree turn to access the Shell Scotford site.
This configuration ensured axle loads remained within limits while protecting existing road infrastructure throughout the journey.
Setting a New Benchmark for Heavy Haulage
Safe Delivery and Infrastructure Protection
Through meticulous planning, detailed engineering, and close coordination with stakeholders, Mammoet successfully delivered both reactors safely and efficiently to their destination.
The project not only supported critical oil and gas infrastructure in Alberta, but also established a new benchmark for heavy transport, demonstrating what is possible when innovative engineering is applied to extreme logistical challenges.
About Mammoet
Mammoet is a global leader in engineered heavy lifting and transport services, supporting complex infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects worldwide. With extensive experience in record-breaking heavy haulage, Mammoet continues to push the boundaries of what can be safely transported on public infrastructure.
Website: https://www.mammoet.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What was transported in this project?
Two Ethylene Oxide reactors weighing 670 tonnes each were transported to Shell Scotford in Alberta.
Why was the transport considered record-breaking?
The total gross vehicle weight reached 1.76 million kilograms, making it the heaviest loads ever moved on Alberta highways.
What made the transport especially challenging?
The reactors were unusually short for their weight, requiring custom engineering to distribute axle loads safely.
What equipment was used for the transport?
The move used custom-fabricated frames, two 26-line double-wide intercombi trailers, and multiple pull and push trucks.
Where did the transport take place?
The reactors were moved from Dacro Industries to Shell Scotford in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, Canada.
