In a feat of precision planning and execution, Absolute Logistics has successfully completed the transport of some of the longest wind turbine blades ever moved in Africa, measuring an impressive 83.5 metres. The project involved the complex relocation of seven towers from the Port of Lüderitz in Namibia, with the components including the generators, nacelles and hubs, to the installation site some 25km away.According to Stefan Marggraff, general manager at Absolute Logistics, the most challenging segment of the move involved navigating the oversized cargo through the narrow streets of Lüderitz and surrounding towns. “It’s one of the biggest blade moves in Africa to date,” said Marggraff. “The key was careful coordination, especially given the limited availability of escort vehicles and infrastructure.”The team at Absolute Logistics has been investing consistently in specialised equipment, enabling them to handle abnormal and project cargo with increasingefficiency. “We handle all cargoes – from small parcels, pallets, containers, dangerous goods and liquids, to heavy loads, something we are fast becomingknown for,” said Marggraff. The company operates depots in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Windhoek, enabling it to cover the entire southern African region.With a growing number of projects across the oil, gas, renewables and mining sectors, the company’s investment in heavy-haul equipment has proven timely and strategic.“Our equipment is very well spread, and we are well positioned to serve this growing market sector,” said general manager Nadia Marggraff.This was clearly demonstrated during the recent transport of wind tower components, which included the longest blades ever moved in Africa.“We used an extendable trailer for the blades – it extends to accommodate the full length, with some controlled overhang. For the other components, we used our modular trailer system to transport everything safely and efficiently,” she explained.In addition to the blades, the team also transported seven generators, each weighing approximately 125 tons. The wind farm, located in the Sperrgebiet region of Namibia, is set to begin construction in May, once all components have been delivered to the site.“We worked very closely with another logistics service provider on this project and everything went off without a hitch,” said Marggraff. “That’s thanks to the level of preparation we did before the cargo even arrived in Namibia. Preparation is critical – timing is just as important as execution.” LV
