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Giant transformer delivery all in a night’s work for Collett

[ September 15, 2023   //   ]

Heavy haulier Collett & Sons delivered an 184-tonne transformer to Corduff Substation to the north-west of Dublin in September.

The complex project was part of a collaborative effort with Wagenborg where Collett was responsible for the final leg of the project from Dublin Port to its ultimate destination.

Collett carried out route surveys, transport logistics, offloading and final positioning for the 9.3 metre long transformer.

Prior to the transformer arriving at Dublin Port, Collett mobilised its 550-tonne capacity girder frame trailer and heavy tractor units, which were transported from the UK to Ireland. Once the vessel arrived 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 to await final delivery.

The delivery itself took place during the night as it involved crossing Dublin City Centre, with the 13.4-miles taking four hours at a maximum speed of 5mph. Police escorts and Collett’s in-house pilot cars accompanied the 65.4-metre-long load to the substation site.

To accommodate overhanging cables at the delivery site, the trailer’s suspension was lowered,  and 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.

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