SpaceX

Client
SpaceX

Location

Brownsville, Texas

Oil & Gas

Transport of Cryogenic Vessels

Business Unit

NexGen Transportation

NexGen was contracted to complete the complex transport of two oversized cryogenic vessels from Northern British Columbia to the SpaceX Starbase Launch Facility in Brownsville, Texas. This project presented significant logistical and operational challenges, due to the size and weight of each load, along with the complexity and distance of the route. Each configuration measured 16 feet wide, 17 feet 11 inches high, 205 feet long, and weighed 500,000 pounds. The scope required precise planning and flawless execution across international borders and a wide range of jurisdictions.

The project was delivered in two separate trips. The first vessel departed in December 2021, and the second followed in August 2022. Each move took approximately six weeks to complete, accounting for the vast distance, permitting, escort, and routing requirements through three Canadian provinces and seven U.S. states. The route spanned thousands of kilometers and required coordination with provincial, state, and municipal authorities, as well as numerous stakeholders to navigate transportation regulations, infrastructure limitations, and escort requirements, ensuring minimal disruption to the motoring public.

To safely move each vessel, NexGen deployed a 12 Line K25 Dual Lane platform trailer, paired with two Western Star Prime Movers. The vessel was accompanied by pilot escort vehicles throughout the journey, with the number and configuration adjusted according to regional requirements. In Canada, British Columbia required three pilot vehicles, while Alberta and Saskatchewan required just two. Upon entering the United States escort requirements varied by state, each load was accompanied by a dedicated bucket truck to manage overhead utility lines, for the duration of the route, reflecting the exceptional size and complexity of each load. As an additional safety measure, NexGen’s team of professionals designed and fabricated custom push and pull bars for the trailer to accommodate the length of vessel and ensure safe handling and maneuverability through the varying terrain.

The December move faced additional complications due to adverse weather conditions in British Columbia. Winter driving conditions added another layer of risk and required increased coordination between drivers, pilot cars, and support teams to maintain both safety and schedule integrity.

Despite the challenges, ranging from extreme weather, oversized load dimensions, international permitting, and infrastructure constraints, NexGen successfully delivered both components of the project without incident. The cargo arrived on time and budget at the SpaceX Starbase Launch Facility, fulfilling the client’s high standards for safety, reliability, and precision.

Key partnerships were critical to the project’s success. NexGen worked in close collaboration with Versa Bucket and SpaceX to coordinate logistics, align project schedules and coordinate all aspects of on site execution. The successful delivery of both cryogenic vessels demonstrates NexGen’s capability to manage complex projects and continues to reinforce their reputation as a trusted, reliable heavy haul provider for some of the world’s most high profile clients, while also showcasing their expertise in cross border transportation of oversized cargo.