Biala was a logistical puzzle: the logical port of import was the nearest one (Port Kembla), but with base tower sections at 4.8m in diameter and 110 tons in weight, there was no existing trailer combination which could both safely carry the tower AND pass under a 5.3m low bridge in Wollongong. The alternate port of Newcastle was nearly double the distance away, and would be a much costlier and riskier solution as a result.

When Goldwind Australia approached Ares with the problem, our solution was simple – if no trailer exists, then we shall design one to suit!  The result was a modified platform trailer: strong enough to hold the weight of the massive tower, but with a “cut-out” to allow the tower to sit lower than normal.  At a loaded height of 5.1m it could clear the low bridge and allowed Goldwind to use their preferred port, resulting in substantial savings for the project.

The route to Biala was almost identical to that taken for the Crookwell 2 project two years prior, but with longer blades, a much larger tower base section and the need to traverse the town of Crookwell itself.

The components came out of Port Kembla on Picton Rd before turning onto the Hume Hwy, exiting through the town of Goulburn and continuing past Crookwell 2 Wind Farm to Crookwell. Several corners in Crookwell had to be specially modified to accommodate the 69m-long blades.  From there it was a short run to site to be offloaded.

All Biala deliveries were executed and completed within 16 weeks – an average of almost two complete wind turbines per week. The achievement is all the more amazing when factoring in ship discharges, the Easter long weekend and disruption due to COVID-19. This is testament to the combined efficiency of the AAT port loading crews, the ARES team, the customer’s offloading crews on site, and excellent communication and coordination between all parties. Delivered on time, under budget and with minimal fuss – a job well done.