Collett’s precision move delivers 146-tonne Yankee dryer to ICT Deeside site

Collett & Sons has completed the complex Yankee dryer transport from Ellesmere Port to Deeside, managing every stage from vessel discharge to final positioning at Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti’s (ICT) new paper manufacturing facility.

The 146-tonne load, measuring 8.97 m long, 5.62 m wide and 5.72 m high, was moved using Collett’s 250-tonne girder bridge trailer and Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT). The company was working on behalf of HLI Rail & Rigging, with the dryer destined for ICT’s integrated paper production plant at Northern Gateway.

Careful planning and execution

The project began with the discharge of the dryer at Ellesmere Port using an LTM1800D crane before being loaded onto Collett’s 16-axle girder bridge. Night-time transport followed, including a full M53 motorway closure to allow the convoy to contraflow and exit safely.

The route demanded precision. A 6.2 m loaded height meant revised permits and re-routing to avoid clearance restrictions. Collett worked closely with Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN), BT, National Highways, Cheshire Police, and local councils to lift overhead cables, trim trees and temporarily remove street furniture.

Seamless on-site installation

Once at Deeside, the dryer was transferred onto a six-axle SPMT and moved into the facility using its enhanced manoeuvrability before being installed via a hydraulic gantry system.

Despite height restrictions, re-routing and multiple authority coordination, the Yankee dryer transport was completed safely and on schedule. Collett’s Commercial Manager, Ali Abdallah, said: “This was a really exciting project for us. Moving a 6.2 m high convoy along tricky routes with height restrictions, motorway closures and tight corners meant the team had to plan everything down to the last detail.”

The operation took 15 months from planning to delivery, highlighting Collett’s expertise in complex heavy haulage projects.

More information:
Collett & Sons Ltd – www.collett.co.uk

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