Zagrebtrans, a Croatian logistics and freight forwarding company, has transported wind turbine blades using self-steering transport systems equipped with blade adapters, reported to be the first of their kind in the Balkans.
The operation involved moving the blades from the port of Ploče in Croatia to a wind farm near Tomislavgrad in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the port of Ploče, rotor blades measuring 81.5m in length and weighing 26t each were prepared for shipment.
The components, placed in steel transport frames, were lifted onto waiting vehicles using cranes.
The route covered approximately 140km, traversing rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions.
Departures occurred at night to facilitate the journey and minimise disruption.
The transport system used by Zagrebtrans consisted of three Faymonville’s FlexMAX 2+4 self-steering combinations, each fitted with blade adapters.
According to Zagrebtrans, these configurations were selected for their ability to handle the dimensions and sensitivities of the rotor blades along the complex route towards Tomislavgrad.
The journey involved navigating highways as well as more difficult sections after the Čaporice junction and through the region around Trilj, areas known for tight curves and confined passages.
Zagrebtrans Operations and Engineering director Frano Šarić said: “The long combinations must be guided through tight curves with great precision. The remote steering of a self-steering axle system is extremely helpful here. These sections, in particular, are the ones you remember.
“At the same time, the FlexMAX configuration reduces blade overhang, allowing obstacles along the route to be safely bypassed and roundabouts to be negotiated without damaging infrastructure. The strong hydraulic stroke is also beneficial wherever obstacles, crests, or roundabouts require additional ground clearance.”
The journey continued into Bosnia and Herzegovina, where hilly terrain and further narrow curves presented additional challenges.
The drivers needed to maintain high levels of focus as the route included a 90-degree turn leading directly to the wind farm’s unloading point.
