Electrical move for Universal Transport

Specialized transport service provider Universal Transport, based in Germany, won a contract to handle the loading of heavy electrical equipment at Brunsbuettel Elbe harbour in Germany.

The equipment, including a 261 tonne transformer and two 32 tonne radiator batteries, were loaded from a vessel onto specialized trailers using a floating crane. The transformer was 11.45 metres long, 3.83 m wide and 4.36 m wide. The batteries each measured 7.11 m long, 3.9 m wide and 4.36 m high.

The transformer was transported from Nuremberg, while the two radiator batteries were shipped from a loading point on the Main-Danube-canal.

On arrived at Brunsbuettel Elbe harbour, the transformer was lifted over the quay wall using a floating crane and loaded onto specialized trailers, a spokesperson said. The vehicle combination had a length of 52.4 m and was made up of a pull and push convoy with two 8 x 4-axle tractors and 18 modular axles, a spokesperson added. The total weight of the transport when loaded with the transformer was 400 tonnes.

The first of the radiator batteries was loaded onto a 3-axle towing vehicle coupled to a 4-axle semi-trailer. The second of the batteries was loaded onto a 3-axle towing vehicle coupled to a 5-axle semi-trailer.

Once loaded and secured the transformer and the batteries were transported to a voltage transformer substation. Along the route a bridge had to be reinforced with foundation slabs to allow safe transport of the cargo.