THREE TRANSFORMERS SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED TO NEW CUMNOCK SUBSTATION
COLLETT HAS SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED AND INSTALLED THREE TRANSFORMERS TO NEW CUMNOCK SUBSTATION IN SCOTLAND FOR TRANSFORMER MANUFACTURER KOLEKTOR.
The project commenced when Collett assisted with the discharge of the transformers at ABP’s Port of Ayr. The heaviest two transformers weighed 170 Tonne and measured 9.58m L x 3.74m W x 4.23m H, while the third weighed 121 Tonne and measured 9.58m L x 3.68m W x 4.10m H.
Our team received all three units directly from the vessel onto modular flat-top trailers and shunted them into a secure storage area within the port. Collett’s jacking and skidding system was utilised during the offloading phase lasting two days, ensuring minimal disruption to port operations while enabling safe and efficient handling of the cargo.
TRANSPORT BY GIRDER BRIDGE TO TRANSHIPMENT AREA
Two years later and as per the delivery schedule, Collett team returned to the storage area and built our 550 Tonne capacity Scheuerle girder bridge trailer around the first transformer to be transported. This ensured efficient loading and minimal handling time of the cargo while removing the requirement for a mobile crane.
The transformer was then transported 33 miles on the specialist trailer, escorted by police, to a transhipment site located on North Kyle Wind Farm. All transformers underwent the same loading process, girder bridge transport route and delivery schedule, departing the port at 22:00 and arriving at the transhipment area at approximately 01:00. Due to restricted site access on the final 7-mile stretch of the route, transhipment at North Kyle Wind Farm was a key requirement to complete each delivery to final substation site.
TRANSHIPMENT USING MODULAR TRAILERS & INSTALLATION
At the transhipment area, our team transferred each transformer onto a modular 14-axle flat-top trailer. With its compact profile and enhanced manoeuvrability, the trailer was ideal for navigating the challenging terrain leading to the New Cumnock Substation site. The transhipment process took two days per transformer, after which all three were successfully offloaded at site using our jacking and skidding equipment, ensuring safe placement onto their designated plinths.
The first transformer installation involved a 28-metre skid with rotation, as the transformer had to be turned 90 degrees into position, using a turntable. The second and third transformers were installed using single-direction skids. The jacking and skidding process spanned three days across all units.
In addition to the main transformer deliveries and installation, we provided end-to-end support for Kolektor by transporting ancillary components from Slovenia to site. Collett 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.
PERMITS & PRELIMINARY WORKS
Our 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.
These preliminary works were crucial in maintaining public safety and transport compliance across the entire delivery route.
The project demonstrates our end-to-end capabilities in supporting vessel discharge, port storage, transport, transhipment and installation under complex logistical and site access constraints.
Reflecting on the project, Joe Collett, Project Manager at Collett & Sons, 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, Senior Project Manager at Collett & Sons, 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.’’
