UK heavy lift and haulage company Collett & Sons has transported wind turbine components to Cushaling Wind Farm in Ireland, including 80 metre long turbine blades, the longest ever delivered in either Ireland or the UK.
Collett employed its specialised fleet of trailers to transport nine nacelles, nine hubs, nine power trains, 36 tower sections and 27 blades from the Port of Waterford to Cushaling in County Offaly due west of Dublin.
All of the components, except the blades, travelled the 295km route overnight, taking aroiund 10 hours over two days.
Transporting the Vestas blade
The blades were moved with the help of Collett's Doll Blade Adapter trailer which provided the manoeuvrability and stability to cover the route, the 93 metre long trailer can actually handle blades up to 120 metres.
The Doll Adapter trailer in action
Jack Collett, renewables director said: “Cushaling was an extremely challenging and technically difficult project, especially managing this size of blades in nighttime delivery conditions. However, we’ve come through the other side and delivered the project successfully which is a tremendous achievement.”
“Our Blade Adapter trailers have been a game changer in allowing us to transport the longest onshore blades to date on land across Ireland and the UK. We’re so proud of our team who are a makeup of individuals that work extremely hard and dedicated to providing a quality service for our customers.”
Once operational, Cushaling Wind Farm will generate 55MW of energy and include nine V162 Vestas Enventus turbines, also the first of their kind in both countries.
Collett is based in Halifax, England, with yards in Elland, Bradford, Goole and Grangemouth in Scotland, as well as an office in Dublin, Ireland. It can trace its roots back to 1928 when Richard Collett began by transporting his and other farmers milk to the dairy by horse and cart near Keighley. In 1933 he purchased his first wagon and by the 70’s the company had moved into general haulage and heavy transportation. More recently it has added the supply of craneage, along with heavy lift, contract lifts and rigging services to its portfolio.
Comments