The Warwickshire-based specialist truck transportation company, Allelys, have completed the transport of four units weighing a total of over 1,350 tons from Belfast Harbour to Kilroot power station in Northern Ireland. 

The four units comprised of two turbines weighing 317 tons each and two generators weighing 370 tons each, with the generators breaking the existing record for the heaviest loads to be transported on Northern Ireland’s road network.

The generators arrived into Belfast from the USA, whilst the turbines arrived from Europe. All four were offloaded via geared vessel onto Allelys trailers positioned in the harbour, transported to a temporary storage area and stooled off.

In preparation for transport, one turbine and one generator were then brought out of storage using SPMT’s and the girder frames built around the units. The Faktor 5 in 28 axle configuration for the generator and the Faktor 5.5 in 28 axle configuration for the turbine.

The two units were then transported in convoy during a night move to Kilroot Power Station. “This project demonstrates Allelys expertise in heavy lift and specialist transport,” commented Richard Beardmore, Senior Commercial Manager at Allelys. “The business has continued to invest in the latest equipment to be able to offer a full-service solution to industry leading projects such as this.”

Once at site, the generator was transhipped back onto SPMT, transported to the turbine hall, lifted with a four-point lift system, lowered onto foundation. The same process was then repeated with the turbine. The team then travelled back to Belfast to load the remaining two units and repeat the transportation and installation phases.

“Not only was this the second double girder frame convoy of the year, it was also a record-breaking project due to the weight of the cargo. It was great to see the interest from the public and local media that came out to witness the move throughout the night,” concluded Richard Beardmore.

Allelys provided a full-service solution for this project including engineering, route surveys, structural assessments of 20 structures, project management, transportation and installation. Video of the operation can be viewed below.