THE Port of Leith has demonstrated its ability to handle unusual cargo by successfully offloading eight giant wind turbines in 64 sections.
The turbines are destined to become part of the 16 megawatt Howpark Wind Farm in the Scottish Borders.
The parts were delivered from Esbjerg, Denmark, by the 108 metre EEMS Dublin cargo ship.
Using the port’s multi crane lifting equipment and experienced quayside team, the turbine parts, including blades and tower sections, were taken off the vessel.
Heavy transport specialists Collett Transport then ferried the parts to the port’s specially-designed storage yard.
Kenny Williamson, deputy port manager, said: “Projects like these demonstrate our flexibility and capability to handle renewables project work.
“Working with the team at Collett, this ensures that we are able to move the large parts safety from the quayside to our new renewables lay down area.
“It is an exciting time for the port as we focus our attention on creating our renewables hub for offshore projects too.”
Jack Collett, renewables director from Collett Transport, said: “As abnormal load specialists, there are a many influences and considerations to take into account when deciding the best partnerships to support the handling and transportation of heavy cargo.
“The Port of Leith has a proven capability in handling similar projects to Howpark and deliver an excellent service.
“By operating out of Leith, it provides us with excellent port facilities and an ideal transport link from the port to the A1 motorway network.”
The port last year announced proposals for the creation of a renewable energy hub on a 175 acre site.
The £40m private investment will see the creation of a bespoke, riverside marine berth capable of accommodating the world’s largest offshore wind installation vessels.
As well as Leith, Forth Ports owns and operates a further seven commercial ports in the UK – Tilbury on the Thames, Dundee on the Tay and Grangemouth, Rosyth, Methil, Burntisland and Kirkcaldy on the Forth.
The firm manages and operates an area of 280 square miles of navigable waters in and around the Forth and Tay, including two specialised marine terminals for oil and gas export.
Marine services, such as towage and conservancy, are also provided.
Forth Ports is preparing a bid for a Firth of Forth Green Port, targeting clean growth, high-value manufacturing and processing across a number of the Group’s assets.
