Collett Transport Completes Drumlins Park Wind Farm

06/12/2023

Working on behalf of GE, Collett played a pivotal role in transporting blade and tower section components for eight GE 158RD turbines. Each turbine included 11 components: 3 blades, 3 blade tips and 5 tower sections; for a total of 88 components delivered.

Drumlins Park Wind Farm, situated one mile south of Newbliss in County Monaghan, is currently under construction by Energia Renewables, part of Energia Group which owns and operates 16 wind farm sites across island or Ireland, generating over 350MW of green electricity.

Prior to commencing the deliveries, Collett undertook a test run to identify potential challenges along the transportation route. This approach identified essential modifications, including tree pruning and adjustments to street furniture, ensuring a safe delivery process.

Throughout the project, Collett deployed a dedicated team of eight professionals, including a project manager overseeing all deliveries, three truck drivers, three escort vehicle drivers, and a tow truck driver.

In collaboration with Collett, Edwin Sunderland at Exceptional Load Services Ltd played a crucial role in securing necessary permits and liaising with local authorities, including coordinating with Garda escorts.

Collett employed its specialised fleet of trailers, utilising super wing carriers for the transportation of 65m long blades, flattop trailers for the additional 15m long blade tip and tower clamp trailers for various tower sections. The longest tower sections measured 28m long and the heaviest weighed 62Te.

All components were loaded at Belview Port in Waterford and strategically transported during night-time deliveries to minimise traffic congestion. Covering a distance of 199 miles, the journey took a total travel time of 9 hours. Departing at 7 pm, the travel time included necessary rest breaks for the drivers and was accompanied by the Collett escort fleet and local Garda escort.

The Drumlins Wind Farm, expected to be operational in 2024 is anticipated to generate up to 49MW of renewable energy. This output is projected to meet the electricity demands of approximately 34,000 Irish households and offset 58,000 Tonnes of CO2 annually, reinforcing the commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.