The energy sector and within it, the demand for transformers, is keeping project logistics and heavy transport companies on their toes. Collett & Sons have recently been involved in a fair share of heavy cargo movements and a transformer delivery has been added to the list. 

In the latest delivery, a complex project which was part of a collaborative effort with Wagenborg, Collett was responsible for the final leg. It entailed moving a 184-tonne transformer from Dublin Port to its final destination at Corduff Substation, in Ireland.

Collett’s involvement in the project extended beyond the transportation itself and included critical tasks such as route surveys, transport logistics, offloading and final positioning. The transformer measured 9.3 metres in length, 3.6 metres in width, and 4.6 metres in height and had a total vehicle length of 65.4 metres when loaded.

Collett’s Projects Department ensured the delivery of the oversized cargo by carrying out a comprehensive swept path analysis report, a street furniture removal report and subsequent removal, and obtaining necessary permits for an alternative route that avoided motorway restrictions.

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Dublin Port ops

Prior to the transformer arriving at Dublin Port, Collett mobilised their 550-tonne capacity girder frame trailer and heavy tractor units, which were transported from the UK to Ireland. Once the vessel arrived at Dublin Port from Rotterdam, Collett were responsible for navigating Wagenborg’s 22-axle trailer, loaded with the transformer, from the vessel to a designated transhipment area, where it was lowered onto stools using the trailer’s hydraulic suspension.

Subsequently, Collett constructed the girder bridge trailer around the transformer in order to self-load the cargo. The transformer was then transported to a storage area, where it awaited its final delivery.

Night-time delivery

The delivery itself took place during nighttime movements, strategically planned to traverse through Dublin City Centre. Covering a 13.4-mile distance, the journey had a duration of four hours, with a maximum vehicle speed of 5 miles per hour. Police escorts and Collett’s in-house pilot cars accompanied the 65.4-metre-long load to the substation site.

Upon reaching Corduff Substation, Collett was challenged with navigating the site. To accommodate overhanging cables, the trailer’s suspension was lowered, allowing it to pass safely under the cables. Once alongside the bund area, the transformer was self-offloaded onto the skid track and skated 16 metres onto the final plinth.

Hydraulic jacks were then employed to lower the transformer onto the plinth, where it was moved into its final position using specialised positioning plates. This extraordinary feat of engineering and logistics highlighted Collett & Sons’ expertise in handling oversized and intricate cargo deliveries.

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