146TE YANKEE DRYER TRANSPORTED TO ICT UK’S NEW DEESIDE FACILITY
COLLETT HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE TRANSPORT OF A 146TE YANKEE DRYER UTILISING OUR 250TE GIRDER BRIDGE TRAILER AND SELF-PROPELLED MODULAR TRANSPORTER (SPMT)
Working on behalf of HLI Rail & Rigging, the project began at Ellesmere Port where we discharged the Yankee Dryer from the vessel using an LTM1800D crane and loaded it onto our 16-axle girder bridge trailer.
Collett team delivered the Yankee dryer to the new Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti (ICT) paper manufacturing plant at Northern Gateway in Deeside. Measuring 8.97m long, 5.62m wide and 5.72m high, the dryer will play a key role in producing high-quality tissue paper at ICT’s new integrated facility, which will manufacture both tissue reels and finished consumer products.
Our scope of work included vessel discharge, transport on the girder bridge, transhipment onto SPMT for on-site transport and final positioning.
TRANSPORT BY GIRDER BRIDGE AND FULL MOTORWAY CLOSURE
Night-time transport then commenced, tackling significant logistical challenges. On the M53 motorway, Collett team coordinated with National Highways to remove part of the central reservation barrier and pre-plan a full motorway closure. This allowed Collett team to travel to the opposite side of the motorway, contraflow along the slip road and safely exit under controlled conditions, supported by comprehensive traffic management.
An overnight stop was made at Cheshire Oaks Long Looms Road. The next morning, the convoy continued transport along the A5117 to the A540, then up the A540 and down the A550. The convoy then negotiated the final stretch of the A550 contraflow to access Drome Road, before following the Deeside Park Industrial Estate to reach the site. Throughout the journey, our convoy was escorted by Cheshire Police.
OVERHEAD CABLE LIFT COORDINATION WITH SPEN AND BT
Preliminary works included route planning, surveys and Swept Path Analysis reports. With the loaded trailer height reaching 6.2 m, the original route required re-routing and revised permits due to motorway clearance restrictions. Route surveys identified areas where overhead cables needed lifting to ensure safe passage, which we carried out in close collaboration with SPEN (Scottish Power and Energy Networks) and BT.
Additional measures included tree trimming and the temporary removal or relocation of street furniture to negotiate corners, roundabouts and splitter islands along the route. Collett’s project manager also worked closely with relevant stakeholders and authorities, including Cheshire Council, Flintshire Council, National Highways and Cheshire Police, to manage traffic, coordinate road closures and maintain safety throughout the operation.
ON-SITE TRANSHIPMENT AND POSITIONING
Upon arrival on-site, Collett team transhipped the Yankee dryer onto a 6-axle SPMT by carefully driving the SPMT underneath it, facilitating self-loading. The girder bridge was then demobilised. Using the SPMT’s enhanced manoeuvrability, we carefully navigated the load on-site until inside the facility, where it was precisely lowered onto stools for installation. Once in place, the SPMT was safely driven out. Installation was carried out using a hydraulic gantry system, a precise and highly controlled method ideal for handling heavy loads in confined spaces.
Despite the challenges of height restrictions, complex re-routing and coordination with multiple authorities, the transport and installation were completed safely, efficiently and on schedule. From initial planning to final delivery in June 2025, this project, which took 15 months from conceptualisation to realisation, showcases Collett’s expertise in managing complex, heavy transport operations and providing bespoke solutions to challenging routes and site constraints.
Reflecting on the project, Ali Abdallah, Commercial Manager at Collett & Sons, commented:
“This was a really exciting project for us. Moving a 6.2m high convoy along tricky routes with height restrictions, motorway closures and tight corners meant the team had to plan everything down to the last detail. Working closely with SPEN, BT, National Highways, Cheshire Police and the local councils made all the difference. Overall, it was a well-executed move thanks to all stakeholders, authorities, as well as Collett suppliers and team.”