The Netherlands, Rotterdam: At Maasvlakte, TenneT has completed the transport of the first three exceptionally large transformers. Each unit, weighing up to 400 t and rising more than seven metres high, was moved from the container terminal to the converter station, where they have now been installed in position.
Seven transformers originally arrived at the Port of Rotterdam from Liverpool in late February. During the night of 18–19 April, the first three were transported in several stages over roughly 5.5 km to the converter station under construction on Dardanellenstraat. In the future, this site will handle electricity generated by the IJmuiden Ver Beta and Gamma offshore wind farms.
Despite the short distance, the operation was technically demanding. Transport units measuring around 20 m and weighing up to 400 t required careful planning. The route included a railway crossing, where temporary measures ensured safe passage. The remaining four transformers are due to be delivered in May.
These transformers are key to TenneT’s new 2 GW connections, converting direct current from offshore wind into 380 kV alternating current for the national grid. As part of a new generation of HVDC technology, they operate at higher voltages and require advanced cooling and noise control solutions.
At the site, the units will be further assembled and filled with more than 100,000 litres of insulating and cooling oil each. Commissioning will take place in stages over the coming years.
The project will supply renewable energy to the Rotterdam port area and support developments such as large-scale hydrogen production.
Source: TenneT
