In collaboration with Rhenus Project Logistics, Collett have successfully executed the initial two deliveries of the ongoing upgrade project. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the power station’s upgrade.
The overarching objective of this upgrade is to enhance the operational longevity of the power station, ensuring its viability for decades to come. In total, the project requires the delivery of six valves, each boasting dimensions of 5.3 meters in length, 4.7 meters in width, and 3.7 meters in height. These valves each weigh an impressive 160 metric tons.
Photo: Collett & Sons
Prior to the commencement of the deliveries, Collett’s dedicated Project Management and Consulting divisions diligently completed a series of preparatory tasks. These tasks encompassed a comprehensive Swept Path Analysis (SPA) of the route, meticulous lashing calculations and plans, stability assessments, and exhaustive route studies.
A critical facet of this preparatory phase involved a rigorous test run to ensure the secure transportation of the valves. For this purpose, a load precisely replicating the size and shape of the valves was meticulously constructed.
The journey began with the arrival of the first two inlet valves at the Port of Penrhyn, situated to the east of Bangor, North Wales. Adhering to the contractual obligations outlined by the CPA Contract Lift Conditions, both valves were removed from the vessel using an 800Te mobile crane.
Each valve was securely lashed onto two 10-axle modular trailers.
The subsequent transportation from the port to the Dinorwig Hydro-Electric Power Station was approximately 12 miles, and took a total travel time of 3 hours.
Photo: Collett & Sons
Throughout this journey, there was a comprehensive support system that included full police escorts along with Collett’s in-house escort vehicles. The loaded trailers were accompanied by three 8×4 ballasted tractor units, comprising two primary units and one providing supplementary support. To facilitate the move, Collett’s Permit Team secured Special Order BE16 Permits.
Upon reaching the power station, the two primary inlet valves were promptly conveyed to a specially designated storage area. The valves were later transported into the mountain and off-loaded using overhead gantry cranes.
The Dinorwig Hydro-Electric Power Station, located near Llanberis within the Snowdonia National Park, is the United Kingdom’s largest pumped hydroelectric storage facility. Boasting a maximum power supply capacity of 1,728 megawatts and a substantial energy storage capacity of approximately 10 gigawatt-hours, this station efficiently manages water between the Marchlyn Mawr reservoir and the Llyn Peris Lake, generating power as per the prevailing demand.
