Collett recently completed the first dual blade lifter convoy operation in the U.K., successfully transporting wind-turbine blades for the Sanquhar II Wind Farm using two blade lifter trailers operating simultaneously.
The operation also marks the first project to use Collett’s new Goldhofer blade lifter, purchased as part of the company’s ongoing investment in specialist transport equipment. Working alongside Collett’s existing Scheuerle blade lifter, both trailers are now being deployed in convoy to support deliveries to one of the U.K.’s largest onshore wind farm developments now under construction.
Once complete, Collett will have delivered a total of 480 wind-turbine components for the 44-turbine project, comprising 42 Vestas V162 turbines with 80-meter blades and two V136 turbines with 68-meter blades, as well as other components including tower sections, nacelles, hubs, and power trains. Deliveries are scheduled to continue in line with the construction program, with completion expected in 2027.
The turbine blades were loaded at King George V Dock in Glasgow before being transported using Collett’s quadruple extendable blade trailers to a designated transition point approximately 10 miles from the wind farm site.
At this location, the blades were offloaded using Collett-owned Kalmar reach stackers fitted with specialist lifting hooks before being transferred onto the blade lifter trailers for onward transport. The use of the Kalmars removed the requirement for a mobile crane during the transfer process, improving both operational efficiency and site logistics.
The blade lifters were then deployed for the onward delivery phase to site. This stage of the operation required transport through constrained and narrow villages, tight bends, and restricted roadways where conventional blade trailers would be unable to complete the route. Capable of lifting blades to angles of up to 60 degrees, the blade lifters enable components up to 80 meters in length to be safely maneuvered through these constraints while maintaining control and clearance throughout the journey.
Each blade lifter operation was supported by a dedicated six-person crew, with both trailers operating in convoy requiring a total of 12 specialist operators.
Prior to mobilization, Collett’s consulting division carried out detailed route surveys and swept path analysis to confirm route feasibility and identify any infrastructure modifications or mitigation measures required to facilitate delivery.
The introduction of Collett’s second blade lifter and the first deployment of both units in convoy represents a key operational milestone on the project, enabling improved delivery efficiency and supporting program requirements for Sanquhar II Wind Farm, the largest onshore wind farm being delivered in the U.K. in 2026. “The introduction of a second blade lifter has enabled us to increase blade delivery capacity during this phase of the project while maintaining the established transport methodology,” said Paul Worth, Collett senior project manager. “Every movement still follows the same detailed planning process.”
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