SPECIALISED TRANSPORT Ӏ PARKING
NEWS IN BRIEF
MAMMOET SOLUTION ALLOWS HUGE XXL MONOPILE TRANSPORT USING EXISTING STRUCTURES Monopiles are colossal cylindrical steel foundations that connect wind turbines to the seabed. They can weigh in excess of 3,000 tonnes and be over 120m long, and their growth shows no signs of stopping. They are getting larger in diameter and also longer - moving beyond the capabilities of existing equipment to move and store them. And when an XXL monopile is lifted, its self-weight causes big deformations. This means that monopiles need to be raised higher than their supports to be loaded or unloaded. Mammoet’s new jacking and cradle system adds 60cm of additional stroke over and above the
standard SPMT systems. This allows customers to continue using existing support structures as monopiles grow. Mammoet claims this technology will also allow other links in the supply chain to reduce project costs. Heavy transport vessels, for example, need to have larger sea fastenings to support monopiles during voyages. Because of this, there is less and less clearance when loading and unloading large monopiles using SPMTs. Mammoet’s new jacking and cradle system can lift monopiles higher, allowing more sea transports to take place using existing support structures. The system has two elements: jacking spacers that sit between SPMT modules to generate
greater stroke, and hydraulic, foldable saddles that cradle the monopile so it can be supported at higher points, to prevent excessive deformation. Each jacking spacer has a capacity of 430t, split across two towers, with multiple units in use
per transport configuration. The system slots between SPMT modules, so transport configurations maintain the same minimum ride height. This enables grillages and sand bunds to remain as low as possible, again saving on costs. Each monopile saddle has a capacity of 1,000t and can handle monopiles up to 12m diameter. By using the system, Mammoet says its customers can maintain the existing methods of supporting and moving monopiles, even as they grow from 8m to 10m diameter, and beyond.
COLLETT DELIVERS 160 TONNE HYDRO POWER INLET VALVES Leading heavy transport specialist Collett & Sons has successfully delivered two 160 tonne inlet valves to Dinorwig Hydro-Power Station, Wales, as part of an essential upgrade scheme. The station in the Snowdonia National Park is the largest pumped hydroelectric storage facility in the UK and the valves will extend the power station's operational lifespan for decades ahead. Working on behalf of Rhenus Project Logistics, Collett has completed the first two deliveries. Six
valves will be delivered in all, each weighing 160 tonnes and measuring 5.3m x 4.7m x 3.7m. Preliminary works included Swept Path Analysis reports, lashing calculations and plans, stability calculations, and a comprehensive test run and route studies. During the test run a load replicating the exact size and shape of the valves was constructed to ensure safe transportation. The first two inlet valves arrived at the Port of Penrhyn in North Wales. Collett discharged both
valves from the vessel using an 800 tonne mobile crane. Each valve was carefully lashed onto two 10-axle modular trailers. The journey from the port to Dinorwig Hydro-Electric Power Station was approximately 12 miles, with a travelling time of three hours. Full police escorts and Collett’s own escort vehicles gave support. The loaded trailers were accompanied by three 8x4 ballasted tractor units, two primary and one in support. At the power station the two main inlet
valves were lowered onto stools. After later preparation, they were transported into the mountain and offloaded by overhead gantry cranes.
these transports are not
allowed anyway. “This is an a big ‘open door’ I think,” says Klijn. “Simply align the planning of abnormal transport parking with permitted routes.”
FUTURE THINKING Aside from the dangers and difficulties of the current setup, a key reason this is such an important issue is also to do with the very future of specialised transport. In an industry struggling with driver recruitment the benefits of making the driver’s job as safe, secure and stress-free as possible are a no- brainer. “Presently the estimated shortage of drivers in Europe is around 308,000 people,” says Klijn. “If we want to attract enough young people to become truck drivers we need to end these practices and arrange for decent resting facilities so that they don’t need to camp out by side of the road.”
One solution to ease the impending driver shortage crisis could be to aim to attract more women into the industry. If this is the way ahead, the need for a uniform, regulated system that ensures their safety and security becomes even more pressing. And, at the end of the day, abnormal transport might ‘only’ account for two-and-a-half percent of the total volume of commercial traffic on Europe’s roads, but it’s a crucial two-and-a-half percent. “Without it, no other infrastructure can be built,” smiles Klijn. “No bridges, no power stations, not even truck parking areas.” He has a point...
ESTA and ESPORG’s work on this issue ties in with moves by the European Commission to review safe and secure truck parking areas. Both ESTA and ESPORG would be happy to hear from anyone interested in contributing further to the dialogue.
26 CRANES TODAY
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