Stay connected for up to 30 days with the inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle from Garmin

Wednesday, 21st September 2022

(NYSE: GRMN), the world’s most innovative and recognised marine electronics manufacturer, today announced the inReach Mini2 Marine Bundle, a satellite communication device with two-way messaging and SOS capabilities bundled with a boat-friendly mount that provides quick-and-easy access at a moment’s notice.

Rugged, compact and purpose-built for life off the grid, the inReach Mini 2 comes packed with features that give mariners an added sense of security on the water such as two-way text messaging, location tracking and weather updates thanks to the global Iridium® satellite network.

In an emergency, inReach Mini 2 users can trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination center.

“When performance and reliability are needed most, the inReach Mini 2 helps boaters, anglers and sailors stay connected to loved ones when their explorations take them outside of mobile phone range,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales.

“The best plan is to always be prepared, which is why Garmin satellite communicators have become trusted tools for anyone leaving the dock. With its compact size, robust location features and long-lasting battery life, the inReach Mini 2 is an invaluable companion for any boating adventure.”

Optimised for life on the water

Small but mighty, the inReach Mini 2 measures 4 inches tall and 2 inches wide, weighing a mere 3.5 ounces, and yet it encompasses it all—from messaging to tracking to declaring an SOS.

Water-rated to IPX72, it can be paired with compatible marine electronics on board, including the GPSMAP® 8400 Series and GPSMAP 723/923/1223 Series chartplotters, quatix 7series marine GPS smartwatches and more, or used freely on its own.

Wireless unit-to-unit connectivity lets users remotely control the inReach Mini 2 to send and receive messages, start and stop tracking and, in the event of an emergency, trigger an interactive SOS directly from the paired device.

For added peace of mind without taking up valuable space at the helm, mariners can securely mount the inReach Mini 2 and keep it charged in a convenient location thanks to the included screw-down mount and 12-volt power cable.

Enduring battery life

Whether at sea or back on land, inReach Mini 2 users can explore longer knowing their device features up to 14 days of continuous run time in default 10-minute tracking mode.

To further extend battery-life, tracking intervals can be customised to provide up to 30 days of continuous use when in 30-minute tracking mode3.

Mariners who find themselves only occasionally off the grid will feel confident knowing the inReach Mini 2 can remain charged and ready for use when powered off for up to one year, making it a valuable addition to any marine communication emergency kit.

Adventure-ready companion

The inReach Mini 2 automatically records activities and passively stores routes travelled. Should a user get lost, they can simply engage TracBack® and an on-device digital path will retrace their movements and guide them back to their point of origin.

To further aid in navigation, the inReach Mini 2 features an electronic compass that displays an accurate heading even when stationary. In addition to the GPS satellite network, it leverages GALILEO, QZSS and BeiDou satellite networks for faster initial satellite acquisition time and more coverage in challenging environments than GPS alone.

Thanks to the inReach Mini 2’s intuitive user interface, mariners can check location updates, weather alerts and messages faster than ever before. Using the new glanceable “quick view,” users can scroll through device widgets to quickly review the essentials, which are displayed on the device’s new high-resolution display that’s optimised for viewing in all conditions.

Mariners can expand the capabilities of their inReach Mini 2 by using the Garmin Explore Mobile app which lets users map, track, sync and share their adventures. When paired to the inReach Mini 2, users can quickly type messages, get up-to-date weather information, download a variety of maps, review their trips and more from their mobile device.

Share your adventures in real-time

Even without cellphone coverage, mariners can virtually bring their friends and family on a trip, even when they’re alone, using the location sharing features on inReach Mini 2. Through the inReach MapShare™ page or by sending GPS coordinates embedded in their message, users can update loved ones on their location at a moment’s notice. Friends and family can also reach out directly to inReach Mini 2 customers to check their ETA to the dock, see how the fish are biting or congratulations along the way.

24/7 emergency response

Thanks to a dedicated SOS button on the inReach Mini 2, users can quickly declare an SOS should an emergency occur. Once an SOS is declared, the inReach Mini 2 will send a distress signal to the Garmin IERCC.

Through two-way communication on the inReach Mini 2, the IERCC can communicate with the inReach user and then notify the applicable search and rescue organisation to respond.

The IERCC will deliver a confirmation that help is on the way and provide updates on the status of the response effort. The IERCC may also reach out to the user’s designated emergency contacts.

To communicate using an inReach Mini 2, an active satellite subscription plan is required. A variety of plans that range from flexible month-to-month options to an annual contract package are available for individuals or professionals. Plans are available for as little as £14.99 per month.

The inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle is expected to be available this month with a suggested retail price of £379.99. The bundle includes an internal, rechargeable lithium battery for up to 14 days of use at the default 10-minute tracking mode and up to 30 days at the 30-minute interval extended tracking mode. It also includes a marine mount and hardware, 12-volt power cable and a flotation lanyard.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionised life for anglers, sailors, mariners and boat enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing the most innovative, highest quality, and easiest-to-use marine electronics the industry has ever known, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. For the seventh consecutive year, Garmin was recently named the manufacturer of the year by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA).

Inland and Coastal Marina Systems kicks off 20th anniversary celebrations at SIBS 2022

Tuesday, 6th September 2022

Pontoon manufacturer and water access specialist, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems is celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary on its stand (J150) at the SIBS 2022 Southampton International Boat Show, 16-25 September 2022.

Born out of Banagher Precast Concrete (BPC), an Irish precast concrete manufacturer which started producing concrete jetties in 1990, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) was set up by Oliver and Claire Shortall in 2002, while Oliver was still working for BPC.

“When I joined Banagher, it had just started developing floating jetties,” says Oliver. “I could see that there was a growing market for pontoons and jetties in Ireland, but Banagher was focused on other sectors so when the opportunity arose for me to buy the jetty side of the business, we started Inland and Coastal.”

With demand strong, and no other company manufacturing pontoons in Ireland, ICMS went from strength to strength. Based in Co. Offlay, the company opened offices in Lossiemouth, Scotland in 2015 and in Hamble, England in 2018.

Now employing over 50 people, ICMS designs, manufactures and installs pontoons and concrete breakwaters in marinas, yacht harbours and commercial ports worldwide, including Mexico, Australia and France.

“I’m delighted with how the business and our product portfolio have grown over the last 20-years,” continues Oliver. “Building on the development of the Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) decking and the first concrete breakwaters at BPC in 1998, we developed continuous concrete pontoons in 2013 and started our heavy-duty pontoon range in 2014, in addition to our standard leisure marina pontoons.

“Because we came out of Banagher Concrete, we’ve always taken the approach that every product we make should be built with robustness, so it’ll last. And today, that’s what people associate us with which has led to new business in the burgeoning offshore wind and renewables sector, building pontoons for crew transfer vessels (CTV) and operation and maintenance bases (O&M).”

At the Southampton International Boat Show, on stand J150 at 14.00hrs on Friday 16 September, the team at Inland and Coastal Marina Systems will be raising a glass of real Irish Guinness to celebrate this 20-year milestone for the company.

Members of the press are very welcome to come along and join in the celebrations, as well as find out more about ICMS’ pontoon ranges and decking options, designed to offer marinas safe, stable and non-slip water access with a fresh look and feel.

Associated Listing:

Dazzled by floodlight glare in a pitch black tank?

Tuesday, 6th September 2022

Ships’ holds that needs inspecting, cleaning or repairing are never going to win a workplace of the month award.

There could be floodlights in use in different locations within the hold and the last thing you want is to be dazzled by the glare of your own light or those of your colleagues.

Wolf Safety are world leaders in portable and temporary safety lighting for use in hazardous areas have found the ideal solution. Their design team has developed an easily portable LED floodlight, designed to reduce beam glare even when working in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The robust LinkEx™WF-250XL, easy to carry and more economical than comparable units, produces more than 3,000 lumens of white light, more than enough to illuminate a 5m square tank or similar space without dazzling.

Fully compliant with the latest ATEX and IECEx standards, the unit is fitted with a highly reliable LED array designed to provide at least 100,000 hours of working life.

“Users tell us our more powerful WF-300®XL Floodlite, which provides over 6,000 lumens, is great but can be too intense when working in small spaces,” says Michael Morley, Wolf Safety’s Technical Director. “This new product provides great lighting performance in confined spaces.”

LiftEx is back and better than ever

Monday, 5th September 2022

LiftEx 2022, the free-to-attend flagship event hosted by The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), will be held at P&J Live, in the major Oil and Gas centre of Aberdeen on 5-6 October 2022.

Marking a return for the leading networking event for the lifting industry, LiftEx 2022, is set to be better than ever and is proud to have Rapid Response Solutions as Headline Sponsor and Van Beest as Silver Sponsor.

An exhibition floor packed with major lifting suppliers offers the perfect opportunity for attendees from multiple markets, to gain vital lifting-related knowledge and insights, as well as an opportunity to meet LEEA members and discuss ways they can help achieve best lifting practice.

A series of sessions, delivered by the LEEA team and industry experts, will discuss topics of recent interest, issues, trends, and recruitment strategies – through guest speaker interviews, case studies and interactive sessions.

New features for LiftEx include a series of 5-minute pitches from exhibitors to engage the audience with a concise overview of key brands, services and new products on the market.

The Military Transition Scheme, which forms a vital part of LEEA’s lifting industry recruiting strategy by connecting service leavers to Association members, will be featured strongly at LiftEx 2022. The White Ensign Association will all be joining the event to support the scheme.

There will also be Learning Development sessions on Day Two of LiftEx allowing visitors to top up their knowledge. On offer will be a selection of Advanced Programme (Diploma) refresher courses (ideal for individual CPD or exam preparation), and the all new End User Guidance (EUG) and Introduction to Lifting Equipment (ILE) training courses. Hands-on training sessions will be available as well. Visitors can also attend ‘Ask the Expert’ surgeries with Q&A sessions with the LEEA senior team members, taking place on the show floor.

LiftEx Lifting Equipment Industry Careers Day

LEEA will host the LiftEx Industry Careers Day on 6 October 2022, working closely with TechFest, a local specialist in the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.

Senior pupils aged 16-18, and their teachers, with an interest in learning more about the huge range of opportunities available to them in the lifting industry will be engaging with industry professionals and interacting with global companies and organisations at the event.

There will be career information, advice and guidance session for the students. Speakers from industry and partners from universities and the military will introduce students to learning opportunities and career routes.

Updated interactive experiments, which are part of LEEA’s Think Lifting programme, will be rolled out to introduce the students to core principles used throughout the industry.

Exhibitors

In addition to these new developments, visitors to LiftEx 2022 will be able to catch up with suppliers, view demonstrations and explore the latest solutions from the industry’s top vendors.

They will include a broad array of lifting equipment solutions from companies such as Atlas Winch & Hoist Services, Caldwell Lifting Solutions, Carl Stahl Evita, Delta, Durham Lifting, George Taylor Lifting Gear, (Royal Van Beest), Hird, Modulift, Tusk lifting and Wirop Europe. Visitors interested in hoists and materials handling equipment will find Davinder Technical Services, Lift Turn Move, OZ Lifting Products, Probst and Tawi UK.

Chains, ropes and accessories will be featured by companies including European Management & Marine (EMM Corp), IronGrip, Latch and Batchelor, Lift Turn Move, RUD Chains, Sahm Splice, Talurit, Tensology and William Hackett Chains. There will be slings and rigging from Aberdeen Web, Anchor Sourcing (UK), Crosby, Lift-Tex, Petersen Stainless Rigging, PMS Industrie and Slingmax Rigging Solutions.

Exhibitors displaying height safety equipment include Brindley Chains, SpanSet, Tiger Lifting and YOKE Industrial Corp. There will be load monitoring equipment from DLM, JCM Load Monitoring, Load Monitoring Systems (LMS) and Red Rooster Lifting. A range of IT solutions will be shown from companies including Core Inspection Software, CoreRFID, Motion Software, Onix Work and RiConnect.

Stands featuring moving and transport include those of Global Gravity and Rapid Response Solutions. Test machinery can be seen from AJT Equipment and training will be on offer from NSL, Nucleus Learning. LEEA itself will have its prominent stand for visitors to meet and engage with the Association’s team.

LEEA Lifting Equipment Awards 2022

On the evening of 5 October 2022 – Day One of LiftEx – the fourth annual LEEA Awards ceremony will be held at P&J Live in Aberdeen. LEEA CEO Ross Moloney and special guest speaker Scottish former rugby union player and coach, Sir Ian McGeechan, will announce the winners of the LEEA Awards 2022 and present their trophies during the ‘party of the year’ for the Lifting Industry.

Lifting is an essential function in many supply chains including Oil & Gas, Construction, Ports & Maritime, Logistics, Offshore, Manufacturing, Automotive, Utilities and Entertainment. All of these sectors that would come to a halt without a bewildering variety of cranes, hoists, platforms, cradles and their associated chains, ropes, slings and other lifting equipment – and not forgetting services such as inspection, maintenance and training. It is vital that leaders responsible for procuring lifting equipment and services in any of these markets fully understand the risks, consequences and legal obligations, as well as being able to filter good practice from the bad.

The Lifting Industry is constantly evolving with the onset of new materials, new innovative ideas, better ways of doing things and the inclusion of modern technologies adds to the portfolio of solutions that will improve productiveness and efficiency while also ensuring safety for end users in a range of sectors, which each have their own particular challenges. All of this makes a visit to LiftEx 2022 essential.

Subsea Technology and Rentals invests £1 million in new global technology

Friday, 26th August 2022

Subsea Technology and Rentals (STR), a leading global provider of specialist survey and inspection rental equipment, products and data enabling services to the offshore energy market is celebrating the launch of its global technology and innovation centre of excellence after investing £1million into the facility to drive its innovative solutions and support its growth plans.

The 30,000sq. ft facility in Great Yarmouth will be the home to the businesses’ standalone technology and innovation team responsible for Subsea Technology and Rentals research and development of its technical solutions and products.

The purpose-built facility features state-of-the-art engineering and product development suites, mechanical and electronic assembly and testing areas supported by the recruitment of 19 new employees bringing the Great Yarmouth headcount to 53.

The firm has experienced rapid growth during 2022 following the earlier announcement of investment from Baird Capital to support the firms’ growth with further plans to expand and strengthen its capabilities.

STR Chief Operating Officer, Scott Johnstone, said: “The launch of the new technology and innovation centre of excellence is a fantastic addition to the STR group offering. Through combining state of the art facilities with our experienced team and in-house technologies we will be better positioned to support our customers.

We have a team with extensive knowledge in their field and as a company, we have a proven and impressive track record of providing leading-edge solutions and in-house products across the offshore energy market for more than 20 years.”

Energy efficient new HQ uses recycled plastics from oceans and fishing nets in its new build

Monday, 22nd August 2022

Film-Ocean Ltd, based in Ellon Aberdeenshire, is absolutely delighted with the progress on its new facilities.

Construction commenced at the start of 2022, with the workshop and ROV test tank in place, the main building framework installed and clad, with construction now focused on internal fit-out and build. Film-Ocean aims to take occupancy of the new sight in November 2022.

Film-Ocean’s CEO, Scott Jenney, has, from the outset of the design process, set very clear deliverables from an environmental and energy efficiency standpoint, helping the company to achieve its net-zero targets.

The building was designed to exceed the current requirements of building standards, thereby reducing the energy requirement of the facilities through continued improved performance. In addition, constructed to tight tolerances ensure that drafts and air leakage are significantly reduced, improving the building’s energy efficiency.

A solar PV array of 36 panels with each producing a total of 12kw energy will be installed and will feed into the building, contributing to the overall electricity consumption. Thermal insulation was specified to exceed the current requirements, and on completion the building is expected to achieve an A rating.

Scott Jenney, CEO, Film-Ocean said: “It is important to the business that the new facilities can generate enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, and with this in mind working closely with our architects, JamStudio Ltd, we’ve identified and introduce some innovative solutions that will enable us to achieve our goals.”

Film-Ocean is aiming to be net-zero by 2024. With the new facilities being so energy efficient, and is on track to achieve its energy efficiency key deliverables for the business.

The facilities include an extensive workshop and ROV test tank, which will be able to use the rainwater harvesting system. The system collects rainwater that will then be re-used for jet washing equipment, supplying the wash bay, topping up the ROV test tank, and watering landscaping and planting.

At Film-Ocean creating optimum working conditions for employees has always been important. Therefore, the focus for the new facility has been to look at how it can create a unique working environment for employees, be net zero, and deliver environmental benefits.

This aim has been integral to the specification of the build. Low-energy LED lighting systems will be installed, the system will adapt and respond to light levels throughout the day keeping lighting to an optimum level that provides ideal working conditions.

Where possible the interior fixtures and furniture make use of recycled content; the carpets are made from reclaimed ocean plastics and are 100 per cent recyclable. One carpet is created from nylon found in reclaimed fishing nets that are turned into yarn. Plastics removed from the sea have been used in seating areas, and worktops have been created using recycled timbers and plastic offcuts.

To provide year-round interest for staff and visitors, several living wall installations will be in place, and there will planters on the roof garden. The interior planting will help reduce noise and improve internal acoustics and, at the same time, enhance the working environment for everyone. In addition, the landscaping surrounding the site will include planting numerous indigenous trees.

Scott Jenney, CEO, Film-Ocean said: “As we approach taking occupancy of our new site, I am pleased to see that the designed ideologies that were established and communicated some three years ago are now coming to life with the selection of innovative and environmentally friendly products and solutions.

Jenney continued: “As with all aspects of life and business we continue to innovate and evolve, there is more to come, we look forward to sharing our plans to increase our energy independence using additional onsite power generation in the coming months.”

Associated Listing:

Hydramec & Scantrol Provide Bespoke AHC Basket LARS to AKOFS Offshore

Monday, 15th August 2022

Once again, Hydramec and Scantrol have teamed up to supply a bespoke Active Heave Compensated (AHC) launch and recovery system (LARS) to AKOFS Offshore. The LARS will be used for subsea basket deployment.

AKOFS Offshore is a Norwegian-based company that provides vessel-based well construction and intervention services. This will be the first time Hydramec and Scantrol have directly worked alongside the company. The Basket LARS required some design changes to suit a new Subsea basket being designed and delivered by INNOVA in Norway. The LARS will be used to launch the Basket to make electrical connections up to 3000 metres deep in order to power subsea tooling.

The LARS required a basket landing area. This has been equipped with protective cow catchers to ensure that the Basket does not damage anything. Guiding hydraulic gates have also been fitted on the front of the LARS to assist in directing the Basket into position.

The LARS has also been equipped will full radio remote control as well as an operator’s panel and touch screen, which will be installed in the client’s control room.

Scantrol has supplied the AHC controller, mTrack, for the Basket LARS. mTrack makes it possible for the operator to safely control the Basket without worrying about vessel motion.

“Another mTrack delivered to Hydramec, easily configured and integrated into a new application. Hydramec has installed and commissioned the mTrack system themselves. We are excited to be part of this project, says Project Manager Simon Hauge at Scantrol.

This is the 15th Mtrack AHC controller that Hydramec have integrated into a new LARS system. Having the MRU built into the main control system via the Mtrack computer system means that adding AHC into a winch or LARS (new or existing) allows for a more straightforward and flexible installation.

Hydramec’s Managing Director, Danny Church, has said: “it has been a pleasure to supply the complete Basket LARS system to AKOFS subsea and to create a new working relationship with the AKOFS team. To deliver this project on time and on budget is a testament to the partnership Hydramec has developed with Scantrol to ensure the customers’ requirements are always met”

AKOFS thanks Hydramec for a very proactive and good cooperation with on time delivery. We look forward getting the system in operation on our vessel Skandi Santos in Brazil.

This order has cemented Hydramec, Scantrol and AKOFS Offshore’s business relationships. We hope to continue working together to create innovative LARS’.

MJR Power and Automation Shortlisted for Net-Zero Energy Transition Award

Wednesday, 10th August 2022

One of the UK’s leading marine electrical engineering companies – MJR Power and Automation – has been shortlisted for the inaugural Scottish Renewables’ Net-Zero Energy Transition Awards.

Based in Teesside, and with offices in Aberdeen, MJR Power and Automation has been nominated amongst some of the most recognised names in the low-carbon sector for a Technology and Business Innovation award, sponsored by Aspect.

Due to be held in August at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen, the award ceremony will bring together professionals from the energy transition mix and celebrate companies and individuals’ wealth of capabilities, expertise and achievements in driving forward Scotland’s journey to a new, net-zero energy system.

The shortlist for the award is in recognition of MJR Power and Automation’s game changing offshore charging system that is set to transform the marine sector by facilitating and speeding up the process of electrification of vessels.

Set to be the world’s first offshore wind vessel charging system demonstrated in the field with energy delivered direct from the wind turbine, the flagship project secured funding as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

The charge points will enable all electric crew transfer vessels and other offshore support vessels to connect in the field to a 100% green energy source generated directly by the offshore wind turbines for the efficient, safe and reliable transfer of power.

Speaking about the award, Paul Cairns, Managing Director at MJR said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this award in recognition of our ground-breaking innovation that is set to revolutionise the marine sector.

“It is a great accolade in itself to be shortlisted with other companies of such high calibre. Events such as this are an excellent opportunity for companies to share their vast skills, experience and engineering know-how to collaborate and drive Scotland’s ambition forward for net zero energy.”

The company has been shortlisted for the Technology and Business Innovation award alongside Fugro, Siemen Gamesa Renewable Energy for RecyclableBlade, Verlume and Wave Energy Scotland.

With over 25 years’ experience delivering marine electrical power and automation projects from new build, retrofit and upgrade, MJR Power & Automation is at the very forefront of providing innovative solutions – both at port and offshore – to support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. The company provides a complete turnkey offering of both products and solutions from power and propulsion, automation and energy storage to equipment, remote monitoring and shore power supplies.

Power and Electrical Engineering Specialist Gets Fit for Offshore Renewables

Tuesday, 2nd August 2022

The UK’s leading power and electrical engineering specialist – MJR Power and Automation – has been selected for the industry’s highly coveted Fit 4 Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme.

This will see the Teesside business participate in a 12–18month programme – delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and funded by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP), that supports businesses by increasing capability, competence and competitiveness, as they prepare to bid for work in the offshore wind sector. The total number of companies now supported by the national F4OR Programme exceeds 80, with 42 companies already accomplishing F4OR Granted status and many more actively working toward this goal.

Speaking about the programme and being successfully selected, Paul Cairns, MD at MJR Power & Automation said: “We have over a decade’s worth of experience providing equipment engineering, mobilisation, installation and service to the offshore sector and have provided our services on a number of flagship wind farms throughout the UK, including the likes of London array and Sheringham Shoal.

“Being part of the Fit 4 Offshore Renewables initiative will open several doors for MJR – further establishing our position as a reputable and trusted supplier – allowing us to expand our business in this rapidly growing industry and demonstrate our commitment to the UK’s offshore renewables market.”

Andrew Macdonald, OWGP Programme Director said: “Increased targets for offshore wind deployment to meet Net Zero and Energy Security commitments requires a rapid growth in the UK supply chain. Developers and turbine OEMs need confidence that the supply chain is ready to deliver high quality products and services on time and at a competitive price.

“The F4OR programme gives companies the knowledge and skills to succeed and companies that have been granted F4OR status are recognised as ready to deliver in the offshore wind sector. The latest national cohort for the F4OR programme has been through a rigorous selection process and I look forward to seeing them turn this potential into commercial success in the offshore wind sector.”

Andrew Stormonth-Darling, F4OR Programme Manager for ORE Catapult added:

“These companies have all demonstrated from the outset that they have the right attitude and are committed to do what it takes to see the programme through. Completing the F4OR journey is no mean feat, but I firmly believe they have what it takes and I wish them every success. At a time when UK supply chain is in more demand than ever, I look forward to seeing what sort of mark they make as they enter or grow in the offshore renewables market.”

Deliveries Underway to Creag Riabhach Wind Farm

Thursday, 21st July 2022

Beginning in June, the Collett Team are well underway with deliveries of 242 components to construct 22 Enercon E115 E3 wind turbines at Creag Riabhach Wind Farm.

Currently under construction, Creag Riabhach Wind Farm is situated on the Altnaharra Estate, near Lairg in the North Highlands, and features 22x 67m hub height turbines with 57m blades.

Arriving at the Port of Nigg, the largest open port in the Moray Firth, Inverness, the components faced a 53-mile journey to the construction site in the North Highlands. Having already undertaken a test drive of the route utilising a 48m trailer, complete with a 9m rear projection to simulate the loaded Enercon E115 turbine blades, our Team had fully surveyed the route to ensure suitability.

Alongside highlighting any necessary route modifications and road widening requirements, our test drive also identified areas of street furniture removal, relocation of flower beds and lamp post removals to accommodate the wind turbine oversail. Having modified the route for the passage of the blades, the longest of the components, our Team could ensure safe passage of all 12 components necessary to construct each complete turbine.

With this in place, Collett began the project, transporting the 66 blades, 66 tower sections, 44 stator halves and 22 nacelles, hubs and rotor centres the 53 miles from Inverness to Lairg. Utilising a total of nine trailers across our fleet to accommodate the varying components, deliveries are now underway. With cargoes ranging from 31 to 73 Tonnes, our Team are employing the capabilities of our super wing carriers, clamp trailers, stepframes and 40ft flats to systematically deliver the components in line with the construction schedule.

Travelling in convoys of three, and utilising each of the trailer’s hydraulic capabilities to ensure a maximum travelling height of 4.95m throughout, our Team employed manual steering and contraflow manoeuvres along the route, safely delivering the first of the components to the site.

On arrival at Creag Riabhach, due to site gradients, the dynamic nature of the weather and the subsequent site conditions, our Team employed the additional traction of a double-drive towing vehicle, travelling in front of the delivery convoys for the heaviest of the components.

Beginning in June, our team completed the delivery of components for four 115m rotor diameter turbines, with all 22 expected to be complete by September/October. Once fully operational, Creag Riabhach Wind Farm will generate up to 72.6MW of clean, renewable energy, enough to power 36,000 homes.

Author: CGTeam

Advertise with Seaplant

Join us