At Freightlink, we have an expert team that specialises in booking ferries for abnormal, heavy, wide or ‘out of gauge’ loads on routes across Europe. 

Recently, we had the pleasure of helping to organise the ferry for Tracey Emin’s newest sculpture, The Mother.

Shipping from Immingham to Brevik, the 9 metre tall, 18 tonne bronze statue (which will be unveiled early this June outside of the Munch Museum in Oslo) depicts a woman kneeling over an invisible child.  

After suffering delays in production due to its immense scale, the statue was finally finished and able to be transported. The artwork has now reached Norway.

As unusual freight – in size, weight, and content – The Mother was slightly different from a normal load. When it comes to booking ferries for abnormal loads, there are a few things that need to be considered, including: 

• The length of the vehicle or load (Is it longer than 19 metres?)
• The weight of the vehicle and load (Is it heavier than 50 tonnes?)
• The width of the vehicle or load (Is it wider than a standard 2.5 metre trailer?)
• The spacing between vehicle axles
• Vehicle axle, suspension and wheel type
• Height and ground clearance
• The number of wheels per axle and their weight
• Any special handling required for the load

Additionally, those looking to use their abnormal load trailer abroad will need a keeper’s certificate (which you can apply for on the UK Government website) that must be shown at border crossings.  

It is important to note that different countries will often measure abnormal loads differently. Before transporting an abnormal load to another country you should first check whether your load is classed as abnormal in that country.  

Sound complicated? It doesn’t have to be.  

Simplify the process by getting in touch with a dedicated member of our expert team. We can help you organise transport for your abnormal load.