Collett Delivers 184-Ton Transformer to Irish Substation


13-Mile Nighttime Move Using Girder Frame Trailer Completed in Four Hours



UK-based heavy transport specialist Collett & Sons has delivered a 184-ton transformer from Dublin Port to the Corduff Substation in Ireland.

The “complex” move of the 9.3-meter-long unit, carried out in collaboration with Netherlands-based Wagenborg, called for preliminary work including a detailed road survey to analyze turns along the route and to identify obstacles or obstructions that had to be removed. The necessary permits were also secured.

Prior to the transformer arriving at Dublin Port – Ireland’s busiest seaport – Collett marshalled their 550-ton capacity girder frame trailer and heavy tractor units, which were shipped from the UK to Ireland.

Once docked in Dublin, Collett piloted Wagenborg’s 22-axle trailer loaded with the transformer from the vessel to a designated transshipment zone, where it was lowered onto stools using the trailer’s hydraulic suspension. Collett then built the girder bridge trailer around the component to self-load the cargo before transfer to a storage area for final delivery.

The 13.4-mile nighttime move, traversing Dublin City Center, took some four hours, with a maximum vehicle speed of five miles per hour. Police escorts and Collett's in-house pilot cars accompanied the 65.4-metre-long load to the substation site.

At Corduff, the trailer’s suspension was lowered to enable safe passage under overhanging cables. Once alongside the bund area, the transformer was self-offloaded onto the skid track and skated 16 meters onto the final plinth.

Hydraulic jacks were then deployed to lower the transformer onto the plinth, where it was moved into its final position using specialized positioning plates.

“This extraordinary feat of engineering and logistics highlighted Collett & Sons' expertise in handling oversized and intricate cargo deliveries,” the company said.

Based in Halifax in northern England, Collett operates a fleet of heavy-lift trucks, trailers and SPMTs and provides project logistics throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide.


Collet & Sons is an exhibitor at Breakbulk Europe, the world’s largest gathering of project logistics professionals. To find out more about exhibiting at next year’s event on 21-23 May at Rotterdam Ahoy, click here. 

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