In late summer, Railcare carried out two complex rail transports of transformers on behalf of Martin Bencher, a subsidiary of the Maersk Group. Weighing approximately 300 metric tonnes each and with large dimensions, the transports required careful planning and coordination.
“Transporting this type of heavy and bulky cargo by rail places particular demands on us as a carrier. It is a complex transport due to its weight and size and requires a scheduled full closure of the track, which must be strictly adhered to in order to avoid disrupting regular traffic,” says Tina Hofverberg, Project Manager at Railcare.
Thorough planning and careful preparations are required ahead of the transports. Although rail was a better option than road transport in this case, the infrastructure along the route had to be adapted to create sufficient clearance. Among other things, signs had to be removed, and the overhead line raised in several places to allow the specially adapted wagon carrying the large transformers to pass.
“Specialised transports of this size require both thorough planning and close communication between all parties involved. We have a very good working relationship with the team at Martin Bencher, and thanks to the cooperation of all the other contractors, both transports were carried out smoothly and safely. It is really rewarding to be part of successful projects like these,” concludes Tina Hofverberg.
The transports took place at night and in the early morning, from the heavy-lift terminal at the Port of Norrköping to Strångsjö. The transformers were then transported by truck to their final destination.
