Joint EHLG intermodal operation:
140 tons transformer from Belgium to Southern Ireland

Acting as the main contractor, EHLG member John Wetzels B.V. based at Born, Netherlands, arranged an intermodal land/sea/land transportation of a 140 ton transformer with an additional 23 ton attachment from Mechelen in Belgium to Southern Ireland.

Starting the transport chain the transformer of 8.95 m length, 3.45 m breadth and 4.60 m height was hauled by the EHLG member Van de Weghe from the suppliers premises to the port of Antwerp deploying a 4-axle heavy tractor and a 10-axle Scheuerle low-bed trailer. At a conventional quay of Hessenatie, John Wetzels arranged direct handling of the transformer by means of the 800 tons floating crane `Brabo` into a coaster.

On arrival at the port of Cork the heavy piece was handled under supervision of John Wetzels by a 500 tons hydraulic crane (the largest mobile crane available in Ireland) directly from the coaster`s hold onto a truck-trailer combination from EHLG member ITI. The 4-axle truck and the 7-axle trailer, specially designed for carrying transfromers, performed the final leg of the transport chain on partly wildcat roads to the final destination. At the Raffeen power station the transformer was put down from the trailer onto its foundation.