A total of 12 Nordex N133 wind turbines have ben delivered from Glasgow to the Cumberhead wind farm, near Douglas in South Lanarkshire. Abnormal loads specialist, Collett, delivered ten 83 metre hub height and two 110 metre hub height turbines, consisting of a total of 110 components to the site. 

Collett first discharged the components from six separate vessels arriving at King George V Dock in Glasgow. Utilising its port storage facilities, the Collett discharged each of the components undertaking port shunting from quay to an agreed laydown plan ahead of transport to the South Lanarkshire construction site.

35-mile journey to the Cumberhead wind farm

Each components had a 35-mile journey to complete from the storage facility to the wind farm. Collett used six tractor units, three Nooteboom extendable super wing carriers, three clamp trailers, three step-frames and six escort vehicles, for the job.

The initial stage of the route proved relatively straightforward, travelling Southbound on the M74 before exiting at Poneil interchange roundabout on to the Cumberhead Forest access road. Here, the challenge of transporting the components proved slightly trickier due to the access through the Forest.

Blades needed a test drive

The longest of the cargoes, the 65 metre blades, possessed an overall loaded length of 68.72 metres with a 10 metre overhang, and required a full test drive of the 4.6 mile route to ensure the component’s safe passage.

Completed in the planning stages of the project, this extensive test drive of the Cumberhead Forest road highlighted several modifications required to safely deliver the 65 metre blades, along with all the additional components to construct the twelve turbines. This included road widening, foliage and tree trimming, removal of banking sections and both vertical and horizontal alignment restructuring at various stages.

Coupled with the undertaking of these highlighted modifications, Collett were also required to employ manual steering throughout to allow each loaded component to safely navigate the forest access road.

A four month job

Over a period of four months, Collett have handled 12 nacelles, 12 hubs, 12 drive trains, 36 blades and 38 tower sections. This included three components for each of the ten 83 metre hub height turbines, and four for the two 110 metre hub height turbines.

With a total of 110 components over 37 abnormal load convoys, the Collett team have completed delivery of twelve Nordex N133 wind turbines for Cumberhead Wind Farm, near Douglas in South Lanarkshire.