PPL Achieves a Major Milestone in Super Long-Super Heavy Transportation
PPL has made history by successfully transporting a massive offshore substation topside, marking a significant achievement for the company and the Vietnamese logistics industry. This operation involved the use of advanced Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMT) equipment, which enabled the safe and efficient movement of a structure weighing 4,000 tonnes.
This is the first time a Vietnamese enterprise has mastered the technology required for super long-super heavy transportation, a field that has traditionally been dominated by international contractors. PPL’s success highlights its growing expertise and capability in handling complex logistics projects.
A Company with a Strong Foundation
Established in 2014, PPL was founded in response to the increasing demand for high-quality logistics services in industrial ventures. Over the years, the company has become a trusted partner for foreign companies operating within the Hung Nghiep Formosa Industrial Park in Ha Tinh province.
PPL has played a key role in various critical operations, including import-export activities, construction, and the installation of power plants, water plants, and steel factories. These experiences have helped the company build a strong foundation and establish a solid reputation in the industry.
To date, PPL has transported over 1 million cubic metres of goods, equivalent to two-thirds of the cargo volume needed for the construction of the Hung Nghiep Formosa Industrial Park. This impressive feat underscores the company’s commitment to excellence and its ability to meet the demands of large-scale projects.
Expanding into Renewable Energy
In recent years, the renewable energy sector has seen significant growth, particularly in onshore wind power between 2020 and 2021. PPL has capitalized on this trend by focusing on super long-super heavy transportation, a niche area that requires specialized technical capabilities.
The company has invested heavily in training its workforce and acquiring modern equipment such as SPMTs, prime movers, and advanced management software. These investments have allowed PPL to expand its service offerings and compete effectively in the market.
Building Strategic Partnerships
PPL has established itself as a reliable partner for both local and international corporations. The company has worked with notable clients such as Petrovietnam, PTSC, EVN, SCI, Amaccao Group, Tai Tam Group, Sinotrans, Rongtua, CMEC Comtrans, Austal, GREE, Formosa, Texhong, and Friesland Campina.
By maintaining a strong focus on credibility and quality, PPL has quickly become Vietnam’s leading enterprise in the super long-super heavy transportation sector. The company is now capable of handling projects with the highest technical complexity.
Recognitions and Accolades
PPL’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company has received several prestigious awards, both locally and internationally, recognizing its capabilities, reputation, and development. These include the “Top 10 Excellent Brands – Impressive Growth” award from VnEconomy and the “Top 100 Fastest-Growing Enterprises in Vietnam (FAST100)” announced by Vietnam Report.
On October 9, PPL was honored with the “Corporate Excellence Award” at the Asia-Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025. This recognition highlights the company’s aspirations to reach a regional level and underscores the confidence of the international business community in PPL’s capabilities.
Breaking Records
On June 21 and 22, PPL achieved a record-breaking milestone by successfully moving and loading a 4,000-tonne offshore substation topside at PV Shipyard Port in Vung Tau. The topside, fabricated by PV Shipyard from August 2023 to June 2025, is a crucial component of the offshore substation system.
With dimensions of 580m long, 39m wide, and 37m high (including launch beams), the topside is not only the heaviest structure transported by SPMT in Vietnam but also one of the heaviest offshore substation topsides ever manufactured domestically for export.
Expert Insights
Do Hoang Phuong, chairman and CEO of PPL, commented on the achievement, stating that the company’s mastery of German-imported SPMT technology, UK-based Bentley project management software, and rigorous management processes has given it confidence in undertaking ultra-heavy structures.
To carry out this complex operation, PPL mobilized a system comprising 156 SPMT axle lines and six power pack units, operated by a team of experienced engineers and technicians. The entire process was executed in a synchronized and safe manner, affirming PPL’s technical capabilities and marking a proud milestone for the Vietnamese logistics industry.
Nguyen Nam Anh, deputy general director of PV Shipyard, praised PPL for its role in the successful site-move and load-out of the 4,000-tonne offshore substation topside. He noted that this event showcased strong domestic engineering capabilities and marked a new chapter for Vietnam’s logistics sector.
Future Opportunities
According to the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), logistics costs account for about 16-20 per cent of GDP, higher than the global average of 10-12 per cent. In particular, super long-super heavy transport is a niche segment that requires seaport infrastructure, bridges, and roads with sufficient load capacity, modern specialized equipment, and a team of skilled technical staff.
Phuong highlighted the challenges faced by Vietnam’s logistics industry, noting that in 2020, there were only about 40 prime movers capable of pulling wind power equipment up to 100 tonnes per shipment. However, PPL’s recent success demonstrates that Vietnamese companies can independently undertake complex transportation packages without relying on foreign contractors.
Unlocking Potential
The latest achievements of PPL and PV Shipyard, combined with Vietnam’s offshore wind resources, are expected to unlock the potential of the country’s offshore wind power industry. This will lead to increased demand for the site-move, load-out, and installation of ultra-heavy structures.
