Background
Currently under construction, Windy Rig Wind Farm is situated on the Moorbrock Estate, 10km south of New Cumnock, Dumfries and Galloway.
It will consist of 12 turbines generating an installed capacity of 43MW, enough to power 18,000 homes.
Construction began in February 2020 and the wind farm is expected to be fully operational in Spring 2021.
The Challenge
Heavy transport specialists, Collett & Sons were looking for a specialist port capable of handling large turbine components for Windy Rig Wind Farm.
While the blades will be shipped into the Port of Ayr, the closest port to their end destination as stated by Scottish Government policy, Collett were looking for an experienced and flexible team for handling project cargo.
The Peel Ports solution
Peel Ports Clydeport’s King George V (KGV) is the terminal of choice for Collett & Sons given its location, facilities and capabilities.
The 12 Vestas 3.6MW turbines will arrive into KGV’s deep-water harbour, the main up-river port serving the region, in three shipments over the next month.
Following £4 million of investment, the terminal has two mobile harbour cranes with a lifting capacity of 100 tonnes each for the safe handling of the turbines, as well as 32.6 hectares of outside storage and 60,000m2 of sheltered storage space.
From KGV on the banks of the River Clyde, a central location with great access to Scotland’s motorway network, the turbines will be transported to their end destination 10km south of New Cumnock.
Over the last 10 years, Collett and Peel Ports have worked together on many projects.
Jack Collett, Renewables Director at Collett & Sons, said: “As abnormal load specialists, there are many influences and considerations to take into account when deciding the best partnerships to support the handling and transportation of heavy cargo.
“Peel Ports have a proven capability in handling similar projects to Windy Rig and deliver an excellent service. By operating out of KGV, it provides us with excellent port facilities and an ideal transport link from the port to a major road network.”
Jim McSporran, Port Director at Peel Ports Clydeport, added: “We have worked closely with Collett & Sons on several major projects and our strong working relationship is a result of our service and the facilities we offer to ensure the safe handling of project cargo, including everything from heavy wind turbines to 65m blades.
“At Peel Ports, we want to be part of the UK’s transition towards a greener future and our work supporting onshore and offshore wind farm construction across the country is just one of the ways we are helping the UK meet its clean energy targets.”