Complex 205Te Tranformer transported from Rotterdam to North Yorkshire
Collett has successfully completed the transport and installation of a 205 Tonne Kolektor transformer from Rotterdam to Statkraft’s Thornton Greener Grid Park in North Yorkshire.
The project combined complex international logistics, challenging weather conditions and extensive route planning to deliver the transformer safely. Measuring 9.9 metres long, 3.6 metres wide and 4.2 metres high, it required specialist transport equipment and detailed planning throughout.
The operation involved abnormal load road transport, roll-off vessel operations and on-site hydraulic jacking and skidding.
Precision Loading and Offloading at Rotterdam and Hull
At the Port of Rotterdam, the transformer was loaded into our 550 Tonne Scheuerle girder frame trailer that had been fully pre-assembled in advance and shipped to the port onboard the Terra Marique, operated by Robert Wynn & Sons. Two port cranes lifted the transformer in a tandem operation before securing it for transport back to the UK.
On arrival at Hull’s Albert Dock, the transformer was driven directly off the vessel using a purpose-built ramp system performing the roll off operation. Due to a 16-metre section of quay being unable to support the loaded vehicle, our Engineering Department created a bespoke ramp solution to safely span the weak area. With no alternative offloading option available, this approach required detailed engineering assessments and precise execution to ensure the operation could proceed safely.
Over a Year of Detailed Planning and Coordination
The planning phase for the project spanned more than a year and included detailed route surveys and structural assessments along the 30-mile route from Hull to Thornton Greener Grid Park. This included responding to late-stage changes, such as a downgraded structure on the A63, which required rapid reassessment and mitigation to keep the project on track.
Close coordination took place with Humberside Police, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and specialist contractors, including tree surgeons and trackway providers, to manage traffic, access constraints and temporary removal of street furniture where required. Detailed logistical sequencing was also critical to align vessel operations, road movements and site activities.
Final Installation: Precision Lifting and Safe Delivery
At Thornton Greener Grid Park, our Heavy Lift Team installed a 27-metre skid track to facilitate the final phase of the operation. The transformer was lifted, rotated and accurately positioned onto its final plinth using hydraulic jacking and skidding techniques.
The road convoy, with a total train length of 66.4 metres, travelled under strict safety and operational controls. All lifting, handling and installation activities were completed without incident and the project was delivered on schedule.
