Case Studies: Asset Sales
UAE to Mali | Caterpillar MaK HFO Engine Recovery
Complex Caterpillar MaK HFO Engine Recovery Across Continents
Background
USP&E manages a 100+ MW power plant in Mali. When the client required an additional 8 MW to support their power requirements, we faced the challenge of sourcing a specific CAT MaK generator model that is no longer in production.
The engine was located in the UAE, integrated into a larger generator system built into a concrete foundation. Extreme temperatures exceeding 46°C, local regulations prohibiting work during peak heat hours (12pm to 3pm), and abnormal load transport restrictions added further complexity. The asset weighed close to 100 tonnes, requiring meticulous planning to ensure ground stability during lifting operations.
The Solution
USP&E oversaw every phase of the project, from sourcing and procurement to inspection, testing, dismantling, preservation, logistics, and final delivery.
To facilitate removal, USP&E custom-built a steel foundation cradle to support the engine during lifting. We engineered and fabricated specialised hydraulic skids, enabling the engine to be safely moved out of the building towards a 500-metric-tonne crane.
Custom heavy-duty lifting shackles, mounting plates, and lifting beams were manufactured to ensure safe, balanced lifting. The engine components underwent thorough preservation according to manufacturer standards to protect against corrosion during sea transport.
Transport to the port was conducted at night due to abnormal weight and size restrictions, requiring a police escort. Balance of plant components were manufactured in France for on-site commissioning.
The Outcome
The generator engine was expertly dismantled, preserved, and securely transported to port, then loaded onto a cargo ship bound for Mali. USP&E’s strong relationships within the UAE, facilitated by our Dubai office, were a key factor in fast-tracking the project.
The asset has been designated CM19 and integrated into the client’s power plant, with commissioning and ongoing management handled by USP&E.
Built for the Frontier
This project demonstrates Grit and Ownership in action: USP&E solved complex engineering and logistics challenges across continents to recover and redeploy a high-value asset that others could not source. Entrepreneurial speed. Engineering credibility. That is what Powering Access means.
Facing a power challenge in a frontier market?
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