2 new transformers for the Canadian grid

Delivery of 2 transformers onto foundation in Qubec, Canada

The specialised project team at Rolf Riedl GmbH organised the delivery of two transformers, each weighing 82,000 kgs, from Antwerp to the far north of Quebec in Canada.

In addition, we also transported the transformer accessories for our customer and delivered them on time.

In the early planning stages of the project, the possibility of rail transport from the port of entry in Halifax, to the rail siding nearby, and through to the final substation in Canada had  already been investigated and a special rail clearance obtained.

This meant that we were able to save our customer the cost-intensive shipping by a heavy lift vessel to the Great Lakes towards the Montreal region. By doing this we were able to manage the project both operationally and economically efficiently.

The transformers were delivered by our customer on an inland-water barge to Antwerp. Using the existing harbour crane, the transformers were then transferred to the shipping company’s heavy-duty MAFIs and then shipped Ro/Ro to Halifax.

We organised a mobile crane for reloading from the MAFI onto the 8-axle rail wagons provided. Following the reloading, the transformers were secured on the rail wagon in strict compliance with the AAR (Association of American Railroads) guidelines.

From Halifax, the regular rail service continued to the far north of Quebec. The nearest rail connection to the delivery address was approx. 30 km away.

On arrival, the shock recorders mounted on the transformers were checked for any shocks and the pressure gauges on the compressed air cylinders were checked to exclude the possibility of any transport stress the rail transport could have had on the transformers.

This was followed by reloading onto an 8-axle trailer. Due to the wintry weather conditions in Quebec and the gradient on the roads, a second pushing vehicle was used for the transportation.

The transformer was unloaded from the trailer onto the final foundation using a jack & slide system at temperatures of up to minus 20°C.

In these multimodal transport operations, the smooth handling of the interfaces between the individual modes of transport is particularly crucial.
At Rolf Riedl GmbH, our employees monitor the interfaces personally, in constant dialogue with our partners.
With a high degree of transparency and communication with our customers, we stand out from the crowd as a project forwarding company.