Abnormal loads for green energy developments across South Africa are dominating the project cargo space, with the latest complex port-to-site move entailing the carriage of 25 wind turbines by Vanguard from Richards Bay to Bethal.
The 550-kilometre trip from the port in northern KwaZulu-Natal to the Ummbila wind farm took eight months to complete.
The undertaking required navigating 10 different jurisdictions and close collaboration with both provincial and district authorities.
Each turbine shipment consisted of 13 abnormal loads, with traffic police escorts needed for 10 of them.
Among the most remarkable feats was the movement of 90-metre blades – the longest ever transported not only in South Africa but, according to Vanguard, across the entire continent.
This marked the first time that wind turbines had been offloaded at Richards Bay and moved through KZN into Mpumalanga.
To streamline the process, Vanguard introduced specialised trailers into a wind project for the first time, enabling direct discharge from the vessel and reducing port handling.
More than 50 Vanguard personnel were involved, supported by detailed route planning and extensive engagement with the relevant authorities.
Vanguard director Ryan Hoskings hailed the initiative as a landmark achievement, setting a new benchmark for wind turbine logistics in South Africa.
