Collett Moves 202 Tonne Transformer to National Grid Site in Six Day Heavy Lift Operation

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Collett & Sons has completed the transport and installation of a 202 tonne power transformer from Goole West Dock to the National Grid substation at Brinsworth in South Yorkshire, marking another major heavy transport project supporting the United Kingdom’s electricity transmission network. According to the company, the six day operation combined complex road transport with precision heavy lift engineering under constrained site conditions.

The transformer, manufactured by Hyosung, was transported approximately 36 miles from the port to the Brinsworth substation using Collett’s 350 tonne Scheuerle girder frame trailer configured with 20 axle lines. The complete transport combination measured 67 metres in length and had a gross operating weight of 410 tonnes. The project required close coordination between Collett’s transport and engineering teams, National Grid, Hyosung, and South Yorkshire Police, which supported the abnormal load movement on public roads.

The project highlights the growing logistical complexity associated with upgrading electricity infrastructure as grid operators expand transmission capacity to accommodate increasing renewable energy generation and rising electricity demand. Heavy transformers are among the largest and most challenging components transported on public roads, requiring extensive engineering planning, route preparation, and specialist installation techniques.

Before the transformer could be moved, Collett completed a range of enabling works designed to accommodate the oversized load. According to the company, these included modifications to the site entrance, temporary road widening, removal of fencing and street furniture, and improvements to service access to avoid the Howarth Lane tunnel.

Ground preparation also formed a significant part of the project. Full matting was installed around the bund area to reduce ground bearing pressure during offloading operations, supported by engineering calculations, lift plans, and detailed ground assessments.

Such preparation is increasingly common for power infrastructure projects where transport routes and installation areas often present physical constraints that standard heavy haulage equipment cannot overcome without temporary civil works.

Once the transformer arrived at Brinsworth, Collett’s heavy lift team carried out a multi stage installation sequence designed to position the unit within a confined operating area.

The transformer was first offloaded onto steel stools before being lowered onto a turntable and rotated to achieve the required orientation. It was then transferred onto skid tracks for a 14 metre movement before being repositioned for a second perpendicular skidding operation covering a further 32 metres to its final location on the transformer plinth.

According to Collett, the orientation change and two directional skidding sequence were critical to completing the installation within the site’s limited working space.

The company said the successful completion of the project strengthens its continuing involvement in the United Kingdom’s power transmission and distribution sector, where specialist heavy transport and lifting capabilities remain essential for delivering critical electrical infrastructure upgrades in partnership with National Grid and equipment manufacturers such as Hyosung.