Huge Wind Energy Sector Transport Project for Sarens from Chinese Border to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan

Sarens was asked by their client to provide the transport of wind turbine generator (WTG) elements for ACWA Power’s 1GW wind power project in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. The sections have to be transported from the border of China to Bukhara region in Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan.

158 sets of WTGs sections, four transformers, and special lifting tools have to be delivered within 18 months via a challenging terrain en route. Each WTG set contains:

• Four tower sections with a maximum weight of 96t
• Three blade sections of 29t each
• One hub section weighing 44t
• One nacelle section weighing 129t

To rise to the challenge, Sarens worked out the transport plan in detail. Given the magnitude of the project, news fleet items were recruited. We invested in state-of-the-art technology, opting wherever possible for the greenest technology available.

• 25 Faymonville TeleMAX for blades
• 32 Faymonville MultiMAX trailers for towers S2, S3 and S4
• 11 Faymonville MultiMAX trailers with cranked axles for S1 tower
• 32 Mercedes Benz Arocs 3358LS 6×4 trucks with latest EURO-VI emission technology

All trailers and trucks were delivered from Europe to Almaty, Kazakhstan, via road, sea, and railway in a record 30-day window frame. All the Faymonville trailers were delivered in ready-to-use condition. Challenges faced and addressed by  Sarens included the custom requirements of three different countries: China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

For the detailed route study and transportation planning, they also invested in trailer-simulation software. The software helped them to estimate the correct road modification cost, finding the most appropriate and shortest route, and trailer simulation on road turns.

According to Project Manager, Elvira Kolenko, “Transporting the wind blades was very challenging for us. The 84m long blades along with the trailer and track length measured around 105m.” He adds, “Almost 50 000m² of civil ground preparation was done including: modifying of road turns, bypass, widening the road, etc. We also removed and relocated more than 60 light poles, wire cables, and road sign boards. All modifications were done with prior permissions and respecting the local authorities and guidelines”.

For Sarens to complete its mission, more than 1422 trips of 3800km each round trip are required. It is expected that this truly titanic endeavor will be successfully concluded by the end of October next year.

Sarens added 32 Faymonville MultiMAX trailers for tower S2, S3and S4 sections, 25 Faymonville TeleMAX for blades and 11 Faymonville MultiMAX trailers with cranked axles for S1 tower sections, powered by 32 Mercedes Benz Arocs 3358LS 6×4 trucks with latest EURO-VI emission technology

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