Port of Waterford, the closest Irish bulk port to mainland Europe has recently handled the longest-ever project cargo import into the country. Multipurpose vessel BBC Citrine with a length of 153 metres delivered wind turbine blades destined for the Cushaling Wind Farm located in counties Offaly and Kildare.

According to the port, the blades with a length of 80 metres may as well be the longest ever imported in the UK as well. The vessel arrived from Turkey. The port expects a second vessel with tower sections for the same project to arrive later in the week. Port of Waterford was chosen as it is the only port in Ireland capable of handling these long components.

Stevedoring cargo handlers, South East Port Services, project cargo and abnormal loads specialists, Celtic Shipping Agencies and Collett & Sons played a major part in the delivery of this project cargo.

Project cargo for Cushaling Wind Farm

The project cargo delivered by BBC Citrine is destined for the Cushaling Wind Farm. The project is being developed by renewable energy generator, Statkraft, working with manufacturer Vestas.

Cushaling Wind Farm will mark the first use in the Irish market of the Vestas V162-6.2 MW EnVentus turbines. The turbines, which have a tip height of 185 metres and will be the largest on any wind farm in Ireland, will maximise the potential of the local wind energy resource.

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The nine-turbine development, which will deliver 55.8MW of urgently needed clean renewable energy to the grid, represents a €95 million investment by the company.