Collett has completed the first dual blade lifter convoy operation in the UK, successfully transporting wind turbine blades for the Sanquhar II Wind Farm using two blade lifter trailers operating simultaneously.
The operation also marks the first project to utilise Collett’s new Goldhofer blade lifter, purchased as part of the company’s ongoing investment in specialist transport equipment. Working alongside Collett’s existing Scheuerle blade lifter, both trailers are now being deployed in convoy to support deliveries to one of the UK’s largest onshore wind farm developments currently under construction.
Credit: Collett
Collett Blade Lifter Convoy
Once complete, Collett will have delivered a total of 480 wind turbine components for the 44-turbine project, comprising 42 Vestas V162 turbines with 80 metre blades and two V136 turbines with 68 metre blades, as well as other components including tower sections, nacelles, hubs and power trains. Deliveries are scheduled to continue in line with the construction programme, with completion expected in 2027.
The turbine blades are initially loaded at King George V Dock in Glasgow before being transported using Collett’s quadruple extendable blade trailers to a designated transition point approximately 10 miles from the wind farm site.
At this location, the blades are offloaded using Collett-owned Kalmar reach stackers fitted with specialist lifting hooks before being transferred onto the blade lifter trailers for onward transport. The use of the Kalmars removes the requirement for a mobile crane during the transfer process, improving both operational efficiency and site logistics.
The blade lifters are then deployed for the onward delivery phase to site. This stage of the operation requires transport through constrained and narrow villages, tight bends and restricted roadways where conventional blade trailers would be unable to complete the route. Capable of lifting blades to angles of up to 60 degrees, the blade lifters enable components up to 80 metres in length to be safely manoeuvred through these constraints while maintaining control and clearance throughout the journey.
Each blade lifter operation is supported by a dedicated six-person crew, with both trailers operating in convoy requiring a total of 12 specialist operators.
Prior to mobilisation, Collett’s Consulting division carried out detailed route surveys and swept path analysis to confirm route feasibility and identify any infrastructure modifications or mitigation measures required to facilitate delivery.
The introduction of Collett’s second blade lifter and the first deployment of both units in convoy represents a key operational milestone on the project, enabling improved delivery efficiency and supporting programme requirements for Sanquhar II Wind Farm, which is the largest onshore wind farm being delivered in the UK in 2026.
Paul Worth, Senior Project Manager at Collett, said:
"The introduction of a second blade lifter has enabled us to increase blade delivery capacity during this phase of the project while maintaining the established transport methodology. Every movement still follows the same detailed planning process and operational controls required to transport blades of this size through a constrained route."
Rod Wood, Managing Director of CWP Energy, added:
"Sanquhar II is a major onshore wind project, and its successful delivery depends on careful planning and close collaboration between all parties involved. The use of two blade lifters operating together has helped improve the efficiency of component deliveries while managing the logistical challenges associated with transporting large turbine blades to site. We're pleased to be working with Collett and look forward to continuing to make good progress as construction advances."
The project reflects continued investment in specialist transport capability within the UK renewables sector. As turbine sizes continue to increase, the use of advanced blade handling and lifting technology is becoming increasingly important in enabling delivery to sites with complex access conditions.