UK, England, Lincolnshire: Collett, a specialist in heavy transport and lift operations, has successfully completed the delivery and installation of an 89.9-t Hyosung transformer for National Grid at the Bicker Fen substation in Lincolnshire.
The operation involved multiple stages, including sea freight from the Port of Rotterdam, RoRo transfer to the Port of Immingham, and onward transport to Collett’s Goole heavy lift depot for storage and preparation before final delivery.
The final 143 km (89-m) journey to site required detailed planning, including swept path analysis and coordination with several local authorities. The route covered motorways, A-roads, and restricted rural sections, all assessed in advance to manage the movement of the abnormal load safely.
A major engineering challenge was encountered near Cowbridge over Hammond Beck, where a bridge with a 3-t load limit had to be crossed. To resolve this, Collett deployed a specialist bridge-over-bridge system, ensuring the heavy transport could pass without placing direct load on the structure. Engineered crane pads capable of supporting up to 50 t per square metre were also installed to support the operation.
Additional enabling works included around 2.4 km (1.5 mi) of temporary trackway to improve access conditions for the final approach.
The delivery was carried out under police escort with coordination from South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Police. On site, the transformer was installed using jacking and skidding methods, including a 30-m skid track to position the unit accurately onto its plinth, supported by hydraulic jacking systems, anti-vibration matting, and alignment plates.
Engineering support was provided by WSP and AECOM, alongside local authorities, landowners, and contractors.
The project was completed on schedule, supporting ongoing works at Bicker Fen and wider reinforcement of the regional electricity network.
Source: Collett
