Collett Transport Completes 148Te Transformer Transport and Installation at Neilston Grid Stability Facility

Collett Transport, working in partnership with IQA Elecnor Group, has successfully completed the heavy transport and installation of a 148-tonne transformer to Neilston Grid Stability Facility in Scotland.

The project utilised Collett’s 250-tonne girder bridge trailer along with their heavy-duty jacking and skidding equipment. Working at KGV Dock in Glasgow, Collett received the project cargo, which was offloaded from the vessel onto the quayside along with ancillary boxes. Working under CPA contract lift conditions, all port handling operations, including vessel discharge, were managed and overseen by Collett.

Prior to transportation, Collett’s Projects department conducted preliminary works, including a detailed route survey report that identified various street furniture removals as well as required civil works along the route. In addition, Collett produced lashing plans and calculations for the transformer’s transportation and liaised with Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow City Council, along with many of the councils’ subcontractors.

At the quayside, Collett assembled the girder frame and associated beams to build around the transformer, completing the 16-axle configuration. Travelling in the late evening, the 60m long truck and trailer configuration set off for the substation site, accompanied by a police escort as well as their in-house escort fleet.

Upon arriving on site, Collett transhipped the transformer from their girder bridge to a 14-axle flat-top trailer to navigate the limited site access. By increasing the girder bridge height using hydraulic suspension, the 14-row was reversed under, already loaded with a turntable. As the girder bridge was angled perpendicular to the 14-row, the transformer was loaded and turned so it aligned with the 14-row trailer.

Manoeuvring the transformer alongside the plinth, Collett’s Heavy Lift Team utilised their hydraulic jacking and skidding equipment to transfer the transformer onto the final plinth. Before final positioning, wheels were attached to the bottom of the transformer and accurately aligned with the rail tracks.

David Sanz Delgado, Project Manager, from IQA Elecnor Group commented, “This is a major milestone in our Neilston Grid Stability Project as part of National Grid's Pathfinder Programme, Phase II. The delivery of the 148-ton generator Step-up Transformer marks a significant step forward in our journey towards enhancing grid stability and reliability.

This Synchronous Condenser will play a crucial role in ensuring a more resilient and efficient power system for years to come. 

A huge thanks to everyone who worked so hard on this phase. Your dedication and effort have been instrumental in achieving this success.”

For more information visit www.collett.co.uk