Over a two-year period ANDRITZ Hydro manufactured two spherical valves for the Hatta project at its Ravensburg manufacturing facility. The two units are now on their way over from Germany to the United Arab Emirates. 

Spherical valves are used as shut-off devices in hydroelectric power plants. They control the flow of water to the turbines. The Hatta pumped storage plant consists of two pump turbines and has a total capacity of 250 MW.

Due to the high transport weight of 114 tons and transport dimensions of (L x W x H) 5.9 m x 5.2 m x 5.3 m per spherical valve, the transport is a great logistical challenge and had to be prepared thoroughly and in detail.

Numerous obstacles along the way made precise planning necessary: a road survey was carried out to evaluate which narrow sections had to be partially covered with slabs and which traffic signs had to be dismantled. Elevating platforms are used to turn away traffic lights in difficult places. No easy undertaking.

From Heilbronn harbor, the transport takes place by sea. At first, it goes by inland waterway vessel to Antwerp. The current problem of low water means that no further loads may be taken on board. This is the only way to ensure that the ship can safely transport the two heavyweights with their total weight of 228 tons.

From Antwerp, a charter ship is used for sea freight to the deep-water port of Jebel Ali in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. After the last piece of transport on land, the spherical valves will reach their final destination within October.