The Port of Waterford marked a series of records in recent weeks, handling the largest ship and longest cargo ever to arrive at the port.

On July 30, the port welcomed the Meghna Sun, a 190-meter bulk carrier with a deadweight of 58,000 tonnes, carrying 18,000 tonnes of feedstuffs for a local supplier. The vessel, one of the largest ever to call at Waterford, required the expertise of local pilots and tugboats to navigate the port safely.

Just a day later, the port facilitated the transport of 80-meter-long wind turbine blades destined for the Cushaling Wind Farm. This record-breaking cargo was transported using innovative blade adapter trailers, which enhanced safety and manoeuvrability during the operation.

The renewable energy project is a €90m development by Statkraft, comprising 9 turbines, with a power generation capacity of 55MW.

The transport was carried out by abnormal load specialists Collett Transport, using its new blade adapter trailers. The blade adapter (clamp and dolly system), is a new trailer innovation which enhances the ability to transport larger blades safely.

The trailer design incorporates enhanced ground clearance between the blade and road surface, along with improved manoeuvrability and stability compared to standard wing carriers.

This is the inaugural use of the blade adapter to deliver 80-metre-long blades to the Cushaling Wind Farm in Ireland. This marks a significant milestone as the blades are the largest delivery of its kind in the UK and Ireland to date, according to the port.