THE first three wind turbine blades have made their way from Lerwick Port to the site of the build of the £566 million Viking Wind Farm in Shetland.
Vestas, which is supplying 103 wind turbines to the site, is responsible for safely managing the process of getting the wind turbine blades and other components from their factories in Lerwick to the site. Campbelltown-based haulage company, McFadyen’s Transport Ltd, is contracted to deliver the components.
The Viking Wind Farm development is a joint project between SSE Renewables, Shetland Islands Council, and Vestas. RJ McLeod is the main contractor, with works anticipated to be complete in 2024. Once complete, the development will be the largest onshore wind farm in the UK, with it being capable of powering the equivalent of 500,000 homes.
Robert Yeates, lead project manager at Vestas, said, “Now that the period of extreme weather has passed, I’m pleased to say that the first turbine blade convoy was able to make its way to site this afternoon. It went to plan thanks to the continued expertise of McFadyen’s Transport Ltd and the wider supporting team.
“With the help of specialist Police Scotland officers who escorted the loads, the journey was completed safely and with the minimum of disruption to road users.”
SSE Renewables’ Aaron Priest, stakeholder manager for the Viking Wind Farm, added, “Delivery of the first turbine blades marks yet another significant moment in the construction of Viking Wind Farm.
“It was particularly impressive to watch the first turbine blades being transported to site and, again, we would like to thank all those involved in the delivery process. It is their excellent co-ordination which continues to ensure that road users’ journeys are not significantly impacted.”
Erection of the first turbine sections at the Viking Wind Farm site is now underway. The wind turbine component convoys are expected to conclude in July at the latest, SSE Renewables said.
