Collett & Sons hauls 198Te transformer to Scotland
Collett & Sons successfully transports 198Te transformer to Gretna Grid Stability Facility.
Image credit: Collett & Sons
UK, England / Scotland: Collett & Sons Ltd successfully transported and installed a 198Te transformer from Heysham Port to Scotland’s Gretna Grid Stability Facility. Measuring 10.2 m × 3.7 m × 4.8 m, the transformer was initially moved within the port using a 12-axle flattop trailer and stored on temporary stools.
Following the delivery schedule, Collett deployed a 24-axle, 350T-capacity Scheuerle girder bridge trailer, carefully assembling it around the transformer for self-loading. Escorted by Lancashire Police, the convoy proceeded towards Longtown, where Cumbria Police took over at JCT 39 of the M6. Due to load constraints, motorway traffic was temporarily halted to allow a contraflow manoeuvre, avoiding a weak bridge structure.
At the Longtown transshipment point, the transformer was transferred onto a 16-axle SPMT for the final 6 km (4 m) journey, navigating at a controlled 1.6 km/h (1 mph). Upon arrival, Collett’s heavy lift team positioned it onto its foundation using precision jacking and skidding techniques.
This delivery is part of a larger project supporting the Gretna Grid Stability Facility, which includes a 60 MVA synchronous condenser vital for stabilising the UK grid. Collett’s meticulous planning ensured a smooth operation, reinforcing their expertise in complex heavy transport logistics.
Eric Crosby, Projects Director at Collett & Sons, commented: ”The Gretna project required meticulous planning and coordination. We are proud of our dedicated team for working extremely hard and providing a quality service to our customer. I would also like to extend our gratitude to Lancashire and Cumbria Police for escorting the convoy, as well as to the local authorities and supporting service providers, whose assistance helped ensure a safe and smooth delivery.”
Source: Collett
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