Collett Transport, working alongside IQA Elecnor Group, has completed the transport and installation of a 148-tonne transformer at the Neilston grid stability facility in Scotland.
Collett’s 250-tonne girder bridge trailer and its heavy-duty jacking and skidding equipment was used to complete the works. The cargo was received King George V (KGV) dock in Glasgow. Working under CPA contract lift conditions, all port handling operations, including vessel discharge, were managed and overseen by Collett.
Prior to transportation, Collett’s project department conducted preliminary works, including a detailed route survey report that identified various street furniture removals as well as required civil works along the route. In addition, Collett produced lashing plans and calculations for the transformer’s transportation and liaised with Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow City Council, along with many of the councils’ subcontractors.
At the quayside, Collett assembled the girder frame and associated beams to build around the transformer, completing the 16-axle configuration. Travelling in the late evening, the 60 m-long truck and trailer configuration set off for the substation site, accompanied by a police escort as well as their in-house escort fleet.
Upon arrival at the site, Collett transhipped the transformer to a 14-axle flat-top trailer to overcome limited site access. By increasing the girder bridge height using hydraulic suspension, the 14-row was reversed under, already loaded with a turntable. As the girder bridge was angled perpendicular to the 14-row, the transformer was loaded and turned so it aligned with the 14-row trailer.
Manoeuvring the transformer alongside the plinth, Collett’s heavy lift team utilised hydraulic jacking and skidding equipment to transfer the transformer onto the final plinth. Before final positioning, wheels were attached to the bottom of the transformer and accurately aligned with the rail tracks.
