Heavy transport and logistics specialist Collett & Sons has delivered and installed three transformers, weighing over 120 tonnes each, to New Cumnock Substation in East Ayrshire, Scotland.
The project commenced in 2023 at ABP’s Port of Ayr, where Collett, which has its headquarters in Halifax, West Yorkshire, assisted the unloading of all three transformers directly from a vessel.
Two of the transformers, both measuring 9.58m x 3.74m x 4.23m and weighing 170 tonnes and the third, measuring 9.58m x 3.68m x 4.10m and weighing 121 tonnes, were unloaded from the vessel directly onto modular flat-top trailers and shunted into a secure storage area within the port.
The off-loading process was conducted over two days using Collett’s jacking and skidding system, which the company said ensured safe and efficient handling of the transformers with minimal port disruption.
Two years later and as per the delivery schedule, the Collett team arrived back at the storage area and built their 550-tonne capacity Scheuerle girder bridge trailer around the first transformer to be transported. This ensured efficient loading and minimal handling of the cargo, removing the requirement for a mobile crane.
The transformers were then transported 33 miles on the specialist girder bridge trailer to a transhipment site located on North Kyle Wind Farm.
All girder bridge transport operations followed the same route and delivery schedule, departing the port at 10pm and arriving at the transhipment area at approximately 1am.
Transhipment at North Kyle Wind Farm was a key requirement to complete the delivery, due to restricted site access on the final seven-mile stretch of the route.
Once at the transhipment area, each transformer was transferred onto a modular 14-axle flat-top trailer, using Collett’s lightweight hydraulic skidding system.
Collet & Sons said that, with its compact profile and enhanced manoeuvrability, the 14-axle flat-top proved ideal for navigating the challenging terrain leading to the New Cumnock Substation site.
This process took two days for each transformer and all three transformers were then successfully offloaded at site, using Collett’s jacking and skidding equipment to safely placing them onto their designated plinths.
The jacking and skidding process spanned three days in total. The first transformer installation involved a 28-metre skid with rotation, as the transformer had to be turned into position.
The second and third transformers were installed using single-direction skids. In addition to the main transformer deliveries and installation, Collett provided end-to-end support for Kolektor by transporting ancillary components from Slovenia to site.
The team also contracted in a mobile crane supplier under CPA Contract Lift conditions to offload and position the ancillaries, assisting with the final build-up of all three units, with each unit taking nine consecutive days to build.
Collett’s projects department managed all aspects of the operation, including traffic management planning, swept path analysis (SPAs), route surveys, police escort coordination, cable height survey checks and all necessary permit applications.
The company said the project showcased its abilty to deliver turnkey logistics solutions for critical energy infrastructure,combining international transport, specialist haulage and heavy lift capabilities.
Joe Collett, Collett & Sons project manager, commented: “The New Cumnock project presented several access and technical challenges, particularly given the substation location and scale of the equipment.
“I’m proud of how our teams collaborated across departments to ensure safe delivery and installation. We’d like to thank Kolektor for their continued trust in our capabilities, as well as the local authorities and police escorts who supported the operation throughout.
Will Towne, Collett & Sons senior project manager, commented: ‘Incredibly proud of the team for successfully delivering a complex project under some truly challenging conditions.
“Just weeks before the move, a landslip occurred on the A713 which was the planned and approved route for this project. Forcing us to quickly identify, survey and prepare an alternative route.
“The professionalism, adaptability and commitment shown by everyone involved was outstanding. This project is a true testament to what can be achieved through teamwork and determination.’’
