UK-based Collett & Sons has wrapped up its scope of work at the Stranoch wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Altogether, the heavy transport specialist transported 189 wind turbine components to the site.
With the components used to facilitate the construction of 20 Vestas turbines, comprising three different models – nine V150s, seven V136s and four V117s – Collett faced various logistical demands given the different requirements for each turbine type.
All components arrived via Cairnryan port and, given the limited storage capacity at the port, Collett organised the transport sequence to ensure each component arrived at the specific turbine pad exactly when required for the pre-construction phase.
Given the rural, single-track roads along the 8.4-mile (13.5-km) route from the port to the wind farm. Collett deployed its Nooteboom super wing carrier trailers for all turbine blades, including the 74-m V150 blades – the longest blades Collett has delivered in the UK using this specific trailer type.
Tower sections were transported on Nooteboom tower clamp trailers, with nacelles delivered using a combination of step-frame and clamp trailers. The remaining items, including hubs and drive trains, were moved on step-frame trailers.
With a strict schedule, deliveries often operated on a double-shift pattern on many weekdays, typically transporting two components in the morning and two to three in the afternoon. As well as dedicated police escort teams and Collett’s in-house escort fleet, Collett’s project team included six truck drivers, six escort drivers, two tow truck drivers and a comprehensive management team.
Stranoch wind farm, operated by EDF power solutions, is a consented onshore project near New Luce and Barrhill, with a total installed capacity of 102 MW.
Earlier this month, HLPFI reported that Collett had expanded its heavy lift storage capabilities thanks to an extension at its Elland depot in West Yorkshire, UK.
