June 29, 2011
England

Wind turbine sections take three days to move four miles near Silloth

By Meg Jorsh, News & Star, www.newsandstar.co.uk 29 June 2011

Traffic has slowed to a crawl near Silloth as hundreds of tonnes of turbine components are driven along the coast.

Contractors will take about three days to move the giant wind generators just four miles, to their new home at Hellrigg.

Two 121-metre turbines are travelling in segments that weigh up to 63 tonnes each.

Measuring up to 40 metres in length, they were shipped over from Emden in Germany to Silloth docks yesterday.

Edward Deeley, the harbourmaster at Silloth, said: “This is the first time we’ve imported wind turbines. We assessed the port as suitable before they came in, although we had to move a section of the fence so the lorries could get out.”

The turbines were imported on the 100-metre-long Wilson Calais cargo ship, which weighs about 4,500 tons.

Made up of huge metal columns and reinforced plastic blades, they are travelling south east towards Hellrigg under police escort.

Motorists have been warned to expect delays of up to half an hour on the B5302 towards the town.

Mr Deeley added: “The turbines should supply enough electricity to power about 5,700 homes, which covers Silloth and the whole surrounding area. They can actually turn at a wind speed of something like five miles an hour.”

A further two turbines will arrive in two to three weeks time, completing the new 9.2MW wind farm. They are due to be installed by August and fully operational before the end of the year.

Simon Thomas, project manager for RWE npower renewables, said: “The erection of the first turbine at Hellrigg will be a key milestone in the project’s development.

“It’s superb that Silloth Dock, a local hub for industry, is capable of welcoming such unusual shipments.”

The turbine transport route covers Silloth Dock, Station Road, Criffel Street, Petteril Street and the C2015.

During deliveries there will be temporary traffic and parking restrictions along parts of the route.

Mr Thomas added: “Whenever possible we will also avoid peak times.

“If anyone would like to contact us regarding the Hellrigg windfarm or any related issues we will be happy to help with their enquiry.”

To contact RWE npower renewables telephone 01793 474276.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/29/wind-turbine-sections-take-three-days-to-move-four-miles-near-silloth/