UK based heavy transport provider Collett & Sons – working with GE Vernova – has completed its role in the Pathfinder substation project.
Collett’s responsibilities involved the transport, lifting, offloading, positioning and installation of four 145-tonne transformers from Buckie Harbour to the Blackhillock Beatrice onshore substation. Each transformer measured 7.5 m in length, 3 m in width, and 4.3 m in height. They arrived at Buckie harbour via coaster vessel and were discharged using a 500-tonne Terex Demag TC3200 crane.
Each transformer was then loaded onto modular 12-axle flat-top trailers for transportation. The transformers were moved in pairs and were part of a convoy involving a police escort and Collett’s own pilot cars.
Upon arrival, the transformers were transhipped onto an eight-axle self-propelled trailer to navigate the tight site access. Aligned with a plinth, the transformers were jacked and skated into position onto their respective bunds, with positioning plates used for accurate placement.
Collett also provided comprehensive engineering and preliminary works as it covered transport logistics, jacking and skidding methods and ground pressure calculations. Preliminary works included a detailed route survey, permit applications, cable height surveys, as well as construction of a temporary bridge over a culvert using steel plates, planned in cooperation with Moray Council.
In July, Collett Transport, working alongside IQA Elecnor Group, completed the transport and installation of a 148-tonne transformer at the Neilston grid stability facility in Scotland.
