Collett completes Kennoxhead Wind Farm

UK transport and haulage specialist Collett & Sons was appointed to undertake all logistical planning and execution for the delivery of 130 components for the 13 turbine Kennoxhead Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The turbine are Nordex N133 onshore wind turbines with an individual blade length of 64 metres and a tip height of no more than 180 metres. The commission included the preparation of all method statements, risk assessments and all supporting documentation.

Beginning with a test drive of the 46-mile route from King George V Dock, Glasgow to South Lanarkshire, the Collett Team simulated the 68-metre loaded vehicle to ensure that the 64 metre blades could safely traverse the route. Utilising the data gathered during the test drive, coupled with the preliminary planning reports, allowed the Collett to determine the suitability of the route, identifying any necessary modifications ahead of the commencement of deliveries. This included the removal of street furniture at King George V Dock and required civils work on site to prevent the loaded trailers grounding on the wind farm access roads.

Having undertaken all these modifications ahead of the delivery schedule, phase one of Kennoxhead Wind Farm began. Utilising King George V Dock’s 32.6 hectares of storage, all components were imported to the Glasgow facility for onward transport.

Following the recent expansion of Collett’s renewable energy fleet, the team utilised several specialist wind turbine trailers to undertake deliveries. This included clamp trailers for the base and middle tower sections, six-axle step-frames for the top towers, nacelle, hubs and drive trains and Faymonville quadruple extendable wing max trailers for the 64 metre blades.

Each of the loaded components left King George V Dock travelling under police and private escort for the 46-mile journey to the South Lanarkshire site. 

With the identified civils having already been completed, each component travelled to the respective pad site, employing Collett’s specialist onsite towing vehicles to overcome steep gradients and unpredictable access conditions due to adverse weather.

Phase one of the Kennoxhead Wind Farm is now completed with the 133.2 metre diameter turbines featuring a 13,935 sqm rotor sweep expected to enter commercial operation later this year.

Phase 2 of the project is still in development with 14 proposed additional turbines expected to enter commercial operation in 2024.

A video of the job can be seen here: