Transformers head for Mozambique

The recent arrival of three massive transformers in Richards Bay – which are now on a month-long road trip to the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Generation Station in Mozambique – marked the culmination of two and a half years of planning for logistics company Turners Shipping. Each of the 149-tonne units was loaded onto a separate 14-axle, 112- wheel f latbed trailer for the journey that will be made at ‘walking speed’ from Richards Bay through South Africa into Zimbabwe and then on to their final destination in northern Mozambique. Turners in partnership with its German agent BDP Logistics was responsible for bringing the transformers and the additional 61 cases of accessories which required the use of 11 additional vehicles to their final destination. “Transporting this type of load to remote areas is a major challenge,” said Turners project manager Chris Mulder. “The choice of the transport route was the result of a complex road survey. All options were considered, among them delivery to the port at Beira which is closer to the dam but lacks the necessary infrastructure.” This shipment is part of a long-term project to refurbish the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Generation Station. CAPTION Two of the 149-tonne transformers are loaded onto trailers at Richards Bay harbour in preparation for their month-long trip to northern Mozambique.