Cometto moves 85t transformer

8 May 2019

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Group Cayon has used Cometto MSPE modules to transport a transformer to a substation in Gennevilliers for the French electricity generator Groupe EDF (Électricité de France).

The transformer was 6.4m in length and weight 85t. The load made the first part of the journey by water on the Seine. The last part from the docks in Gennevilliers took place on land. The short route featured several hurdles and the final stage took three days. The freight thereby alternated between low bed semi-trailer and self-propelled vehicle.

"As a six-axle version with power pack, the Cometto MSPE picked up the transformer on arrival at the quay. Thanks to the overall length of just 11.45m, we had no problem getting to the ship's mooring position," said Matthieu Lapczynski, project leader for special transport at Groupe Cayon. "The self-propelled vehicle also left behind various obstacles it on the first section of the route."

Due the passage of two low bridges, the freight then had to be reloaded onto a 4+6 low bed semi-trailer. Afterwards, the transformer was loaded back onto the Cometto MSPE to cover the final metres. "There wasn't much room at the destination. But with the self-propelled vehicle we were able to position ourselves well to subsequently install the transformer", said Lapczynski, describing the final transport phase.

Group Cayon put a total of two 48t six-axle Cometto MSPE 6/4 modules and two 48t four-axle MSPE 4/2 modules into operation last year. Two power packs with an output of 129 kW each and side-by-side coupling accessories were also added in order to be able to carry out projects with very heavy and oversized loads. The entire MSPE equipment from Cometto gives Groupe Cayon a payload of 850t.