Receiving operations commence on first Gulf Region Wind Farm
ALE has demonstrated its wind expertise and turnkey capabilities as they start the receiving operations of wind components in Oman for the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) first-ever wind farm.
The global heavylifting contractor has been contracted for the full turnkey scope for the Dhofar Wind Project, involving receiving, transporting and installing 13 wind turbine generators which consist of almost 100 components.
ALE started to receive the components, comprising blades, tower sections, nacelles and hubs at Port of Duqm in September. Upon completion of custom clearance, all components were taken to ALE’s laydown area, close to the port, which was beneficial for the client.
The components will be transported 590km overland to the Dhofar Wind Project site, two components of the wind turbine generator with each convoy. Due to the sheer size and scale of the convoy, with components measuring up to 65m long and weighing up to 100t each, the items will be escorted by the Police.
Utilising ALE’s specialist equipment fleet, the components will be transported using blade trailers for the blades and conventional trailers for the tower sections, nacelles and hubs.
“The client recognised our successful track record working on similar wind projects in the world as well as our ability to work effectively with local Government requirements and provide the full turnkey solution,” explained Shafic Tillawi, Country Manager – Oman.
“By utilising our wind-specific equipment and personnel with the vital wind expertise, we can provide a timely solution with one, simplified interface.”
The transport will be ongoing during October and the lifting operations are expected to take place in December with the support of the ALE – Wind Services division for the electro-mechanical installation phase.
For the lifting scope, ALE has proposed a time-efficient solution by moving the main crane partially assembled across pads with hydraulic trailers.
The transportation and installation phase for Dhofar Wind Project is expected to be completed by February 2019 and will have 13 fully installed wind turbine generators once finished
