Transformers in transit -
thinking big means checking even the smallest details
Transporting six 312-ton transformers from Veendam to Ter Apelkanaal was not only a logistical masterpiece, but also an exercise in listening, explaining and coordinating. Technical precision incorporating human manageability.
In the Pekela local authority, looking out for the local environment was a literal assignment, as the cargo was carried through the streets, past gardens and over a historically important bridge. What began as apprehension and unease developed into trust and respect.
We are not doing that
When Jaap Kuin, the local mayor, heard about the plan to drive a 312-ton cargo through his local authority, his initial reaction was to say firmly, “We are not doing that,” he recalls. “The planned route passed straight through a neighbourhood with old houses and a historical village entrance. I first needed to confirm that there was no viable alternative. My constituents are my priority.” But instead of refusing to compromise, all parties involved entered into consultations.
During a busy residents’ assembly, many questions were asked, concerns were raised, and suggestions were offered. Eventually, it was decided to place vibration sensors on the houses along the route. “This gave people confidence,” Kuin explains. “Residents realised that their concerns were being addressed. Best of all: the sensors did not go off once during the transportation process.”
The mayor thought it was important to move the cargo during the day. “That way, we can keep the situation safe, visible and manageable. We keep everything transparent,” he says. With a wink, he adds, “I told Bert, the project leader, that he had forgotten one of the permits; the public entertainment permit. That’s how big of an impact it had!”
Mist, steel and precision
For Bert Maathuis, project leader, and Rob Reefman, project engineer, the adventure began early Sunday morning. The mist still hung over the country lanes as the 312-ton colossus began to roll on its journey of over 30 kilometres.
“In this kind of operation, literally everything needs to fit together,” Bert explains. “From the strength of the bridges and the radius of every bend to the time slot in which we are allowed to travel. No roads here are built for this kind of load. You need to be creative and double-check everything.”
Rob adds, “It’s not just about what is being transported. You are driving past houses, over narrow lanes with ditches on either side and right through the centre of villages. We have to measure, calculate and test the entire route, sometimes up to a hundred times, to be certain that everything goes according to plan.”
On the front page of the NRC national newspaper
The transformer transportation did not go unnoticed. “We were on the front page of the NRC,” Bert says, proudly. “NOS, (the national broadcaster) RTL News, SBS, national newspapers: They all reported on the story. Not just because it was such a huge cargo, but because it symbolises the transition to renewable energy. This is needed to future-proof the Dutch energy grid, and that was clearly noticed.”
The national attention had not been expected. “We were trying to travel under the radar with this operation,” Rob replies. “Early Sunday morning, preferably with a little rain: that was our ideal scenario. But yeah, it still ended up being big news.”
The modular trailer: A project within a project
This part of the operation was more complex than any other. Not just because of the length of the route, but due to the necessity of using a boiler bridge (a.k.a. tank bridge), which had to be rented from the Collett company in the UK. “That bridge is almost a project in itself,” Bert explains. “They cost millions, only specialised personnel can work with them, and every detail has to be perfect.”
Even internally, running the project was intensive. For six weeks, dozens of people were concentrated on their part of the project: drivers, operators, organisers and engineers. “The technology involved is impressive, but it’s the people who get the job done,” Rob says. “Without them, nothing moves.”
Experience makes the difference
Driver Johan Schoneveld has been a Wagenborg employee for nearly 40 years, alongside Erik Kooij, who has been working for us for a similar period. Johan drives one of the two biggest powerhouses Wagenborg owns.
Is it stressful to drive such a load? Not really, Johan says, calmly. “We have so much experience with these kinds of trips and, behind the scenes, we have a lot of experts preparing what is needed. The MAN truck in front is in constant communication with the one behind and with the operators. It all runs like a well-oiled machine.”
Asked whether the trucks need serious maintenance after transporting such a heavy load, he reacts with a smile. “Nope, they are then just getting into their stride.”
Members of the public watching from the roadside do add extra pressure, he says. “As long as everyone stays behind the barriers, everything is fine. The only point of stress was by the snack bar in Mussel. There were so many people in the street that we could not get around the bend. If you see children, you have to be extra alert, as they can suddenly step forward without warning.”
From grumbles to appreciation
Mayor Kuin looks back with respect. “I have a lot of appreciation for the manner in which Wagenborg, TenneT and Royal Smit carried out this project. Careful, professional, transparent. Those characteristics radiate confidence.”
Evaluating the transportation of the first transformers led to one suggestion: Spectators should be kept further away from the road. During the transportation of the following transformers, this suggestion was implemented. “These are little things, but important to keep the public safe,” Kuin says. I grumbled about the project at first, but now feel pride. If you take the needs of residents into account, you receive support. That is exactly what happened here.”
For Bert and Rob, support is possibly the greatest reward. “We haven’t just transported transformers,” Rob says. “We have shown that transporting a large and heavy load can go hand in hand with care for people and their local environment. That is heavy work with a light footprint.” Bert agrees. “Not a single scratch, no damaged roads, no damaging vibrations. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”
We started the project with reservations, but ended it with mutual respect. Respect for the technical precision, of course, but mainly for the precision shown by the people involved.
