Maersk scores heavy lift transport job for Vestas wind turbine components

Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has secured a significant contract with global renewable energy leader Vestas for the transport of critical components for Vestas’ largest wind turbine to date, the V236.

The V236 boasts a 15-megawatt capacity and features a centrepiece powertrain weighing a staggering 260 tonnes. Maersk’s Project Logistics (MPL) division will be responsible for transporting this colossal component, along with other nacelle parts, from the assembly site in Lommel, Belgium, to Vestas’ factory in Lindø, Denmark, via Antwerp.

The final nacelle for the V236 will weigh over 630 tonnes once assembled. Maersk’s role extends beyond heavy lift transportation; the company will also manage Vestas’ containerised cargo, air freight, customs clearance, intermodal transport, and warehousing, providing a comprehensive, global logistics solution.

“An integrated supply chain solution which is being designed and built together with a strategic partner adds visibility and thus resilience to our logistics operations as well as a lot of ease while executing our complex logistics business. It has been an exciting joint journey which we will continue and expand,” said Damien Lhors, Group Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Transport at Vestas.

Claus Svane Schmidt, Global Head of Maersk Project Logistics, added, “For more than two years, we have been working for Vestas in a close partnership, developing exciting heavy lift projects as well as normal containerised cargo. We are extremely honoured to be the preferred and trusted partner for Vestas. The transport requires complex logistics capabilities and experience, which makes us even more proud to be selected by the world’s leading renewable energy company.”

At a later stage of the contract, Maersk will also move the V236 powertrains to a new Vestas factory in Poland. Maersk is building a full supply chain solution for all cargo flows inbound manufacturing into both production sites in Denmark and Poland.