Innovation
PROJECT SCOPE:
The Lincoln Gap (Stage 1) Wind Farm consisted of 35 Senvion 3.6M140 EBC wind turbine generators situated near Whyalla in South Australia. ARES transported all wind turbine components from the Port of Whyalla to site over a period of 24 weeks.
Transported all components for 35 Senvion turbines from the Port of Whyalla to Lincoln Gap Stage 1 over 24 weeks. The project introduced wind turbine cargo to the industrial port and supported South Australia’s growing renewable energy network.
Careful planning guided 68-metre blades through confined port infrastructure, while specialised heavy-haulage equipment moved 140-tonne nacelles up the steep final approach. Coordination with trusted subcontractors provided the equipment, workforce and experience needed to deliver the program successfully.
Lincoln Gap’s components were the first wind turbines handled through the Port of Whyalla. The 68-metre blades had to navigate a complex industrial environment filled with conveyor belts, railway tracks, sharp turns and infrastructure serving the nearby steelworks.
The 140-tonne nacelles faced a 20 per cent gradient from the Eyre Highway to the site. A 12-axle, 96-wheel platform trailer, a 40-tonne Moxy pull truck and a second prime mover provided the power required.
Although the site was only 52 kilometres from the port, the most difficult sections came at the beginning and end. Crews navigated confined port roads and rail crossings before tackling the steep escarpment leading into the wind farm.
Lincoln Gap was delivered alongside Crowlands and Murra Warra for Senvion Australia. Trusted subcontractors supplied additional equipment, crews and specialist knowledge, increasing transport capacity while maintaining consistent standards across three major projects operating simultaneously.
Cargo Carried
Each turbine stands 180m tall (base to tip), and produces 3.6MW of green power.
These were the nacelles, which contained the drivetrain and electrical componentry for the turbine.
The journey took around 2 hours, including slowdowns and fatigue breaks.
These include turbine components, towers, blades, transformers and containers.