Wind turbine transportation underway: Port of Ngqura to Eastern and Northern Cape border

31-10-2024
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The transportation of wind turbine components from the Port of Ngqura to the Umsobomvu Wind Farm, located on the border of the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces, is currently in progress. This significant logistical operation involves moving 81-metre-long turbine blades, tower sections, nacelles, hubs and other components over a distance of 550 kilometres via the regional highways.

Communities and regular commuters along these routes have become familiar with the impressive sight of these abnormal loads, reminiscent of similar projects in the region over the past decade.

“Transportation of key components, such as nacelles, drive trains, and hubs, began in mid-September, ahead of schedule to avoid potential logistical challenges, including transportation embargoes during the busy December-January holiday period,” said David Moncasi Hortet, Head of Sales for Africa at Nordex Energy South Africa.

Route selection is based on load dimensions, including height, weight, and length, directing components either along the N9 via Cradock to Middelburg or the N10 through Graaff-Reinet.

Specialist logistics and transportation teams, which will grow to over 60 members at the peak of the operation, manage the transport. However, challenges remain, such as the shortage of police resources to escort the heavy loads and strict Department of Transportation requirements, including deliveries being limited to weekdays.

Components are delivered by sea on vessels from across the globe to the Eastern Cape port, where they are offloaded and stored before being transported to the wind farm sites.

Construction on the wind farms began earlier this year, with commissioning expected in Q1 2026. The Umsobomvu and Hartebeesthoek wind farms are part of the Koruson 2 cluster, owned by Envusa Energy, the joint venture partnership between EDF Renewables and Anglo American.

The wind farms will feature 50 Nordex N163/5.X turbines, with each farm generating 147.5 MW for a total capacity of 295 MW. Nordex will also provide maintenance for the turbines over the next 20 years.

Key Facts:

Total abnormal loads: 550
Loads delivered to date: 17
Transportation start date: Mid-September 2024
Expected completion: 2025
Heaviest component: Nacelle, 73 tonnes
Blade length: 81.5 metres
Turbine height: 118 metres
Embargo periods: No abnormal load transport on public holidays or during school holidays, unless special permission is granted.
Night-time transportation: Not permitted.