Five large transformers for Vierverlaten high-voltage substation
Last week, we began transporting the first of a series of five 380 kV transformers. Early this morning, the fifth and final transformer was officially welcomed at the Vierverlaten high-voltage substation, west of Hoogkerk near Groningen.
By water and road to the foundation
The transformers, manufactured by Royal Smit Transformers B.V., each weighs no less than 335 tonnes. TenneT gave the specialists at Wagenborg Nedlift the honourable task of transporting these five transformers (and the accompanying coolers) by water and road and placing them on their foundations.
Three transformers were first transported by barge from Nijmegen to Vierverlaten. The other two were transported by barge from Schiedam to the far north.
Transhipment with tandem lifting
At Vierverlaten, the transformers were unloaded from the barge onto the heavy unloading quay using a 350-tonne crawler crane and a 700-tonne mobile crane working in tandem.
From Monday 28 June, the transformers were transported one by one to the high-voltage substation using a 16-axle modular trailer. Directly from the modular trailer, the transformers were slid sideways onto the foundation and then jacked into place using the new Cube Jack System.
Good preparation is half the battle
Absolutely true: thanks to the expert engineering and project management of the Wagenborg specialists, as well as the excellent cooperation with TenneT, Royal Smit Transformers B.V. and the other parties involved, the implementation went extremely well.
See the project photos here!
Foto's: Timo Verschoor/ Timo Kayser/ Wouter Zwarteveen/ Tennet
Report trafotransport
Dagblad van het Noorden produced an excellent report on the transport of the transformers.
About the Vierverlaten high-voltage substation
The Vierverlaten high-voltage substation will soon be one of the largest high-voltage substations in the Netherlands. Preparatory work to prepare the site for construction began in 2018. The high-voltage substation will be expanded with 380 kV transformers and a new switchgear installation. In addition, the 110 kV and 220 kV substations will be renovated.
Ultimately, all the installations together will form a complete and functioning high-voltage substation.
