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Sarens has completed the complex transport of 216 wind turbine components for the Witberg Wind Farm project in South Africa’s Western Cape, supporting Kuehne+Nagel in delivering a key milestone for the country’s renewable energy ambitions. The Witberg Wind Farm, located between Touws River and Laingsburg, is expected to become South Africa’s largest privately constructed wind project. Once operational in early 2026, the site will generate 108 MW of renewable energy through 24 Vestas V136-4.5 MW turbines, supplying electricity to more than 122,000 homes and offsetting an estimated 420,792 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
Sarens, acting on behalf of logistics partner Kuehne+Nagel, was tasked with transporting the full set of turbine components—24 towers, 72 blades, and 120 nacelles and related elements—totaling 216 individual units and weighing more than 391 tonnes collectively. The cargo originated from both the Saldanha Laydown Area and the GRI tower manufacturing facility in Atlantis, north of Cape Town.
To handle the logistics, Sarens deployed 18 specialized transport combinations along with 36 private escort vehicles. These convoys navigated public roads and rural infrastructure under stringent coordination with provincial authorities to ensure safety and minimize disruption.
Transporting the 66-metre-long blades presented a unique challenge. To maneuver through narrow, winding roads and sharp turns, Sarens utilized a Gyro Table—a specialized platform designed to tilt and pivot long cargo for increased flexibility and road clearance. Additionally, a steep gradient at the site entrance required innovative engineering: standard 8×6 trucks, even with ballast, could not manage the incline. Instead, Sarens employed an 8×8 heavy-duty truck to safely ascend with the components.
Christo van der Merwe, Depot Manager at Sarens in Cape Town, emphasized the collaborative effort: “We are proud to participate in projects of such importance to our country. Despite the complex logistics and coordination with provincial authorities, all transport operations were executed safely and without incident thanks to the careful planning and expertise of our team. We thank Kuehne+Nagel for their trust and look forward to continuing our collaboration.”
The Witberg Wind Farm is being developed by Sibanye-Stillwater, with operations managed by Red Rocket Energy, both key players in the region’s transition to cleaner energy sources. The 103 MW of contracted capacity from this project contributes to the government’s broader renewable energy strategy, while also creating short-term employment opportunities during the construction phase.
Wind logistics is not new terrain for Sarens. With more than 25 years in the sector, the company has supported the transport and installation of over 7,000 onshore turbines across 40 countries, helping build more than 25,000 MW of installed capacity worldwide. Whether facing sub-zero conditions, mountain passes, or remote, undeveloped terrain, Sarens continues to provide tailored heavy transport and lifting solutions for some of the world’s most demanding wind projects.
