Heavy transport specialist Collett & Sons successfully delivered the 169 tonne Super Grid Transformer from Portsmouth International Port to Lovedean Substation, as part of an upgrade programme to supply homes, hospitals, schools and businesses in the area. The project involved the Collett Projects and Heavy Lift Teams, who undertook all the pre-planning works including a detailed swept path analysis reports of the route.
The Collett Team discharged the Super Grid Transformer from the vessel at the Portsmouth International Port and loaded it to its 66m long and 5.3m wide Scheuerle girder bridge to began the 12 mile journey to the substation. Two ‘end-change’ operations were required and completed along the route effectively flipping the combination 180 degrees to allow further transport. The convoy travelled across Portsmouth, Cosham, Havant, Purbrook, Waterlooville and Horndean under police escort. Once arrived, the Heavy Lift Team began the final positioning of the cargo. Due to restrictions on the site, the team was not allowed to skid the transformer directly to its designated plinth, the Collett & Sons specialists designed and implemented a multi-directional system to skid the Super Grid Transformer over the bund wall onto a steel platform. Once situated on the platform the hydraulic skidding system was then repositioned at 90 degree angle allowing to complete the positioning.
The Team was also in charge of the 1040ft containers of ancillaries required for the project, taking full responsibility for all cargo, delivering complete transport logistics, including de-vanning and storage facilities.
