Heavy-duty specialists develop vessel bridge for Vestas 2-MW nacelle

Goldhofer presents innovative transport system
Heavy-duty specialists develop vessel bridge for Vestas 2-MW nacelle
 
Innovative solutions in the field of off-shore heavy-duty transportation are the speciality of Goldhofer AG, based in Memmingen (Bavaria). The experts - based in the Allgaeu region of Germany - have now developed a brand new vessel bridge system which enables impressive transportation of the new 2-MW Nacelle Mk6 and Mk7 by Vestas Wind Systems A/S. In addition to neutral driveability, high levels of safety and simple operation, the Goldhofer transport system also scores highly in terms of flexibility and economy.
 
The professionals for heavy-duty transport equipment from Memmingen developed their innovative system in collaboration with Vestas engineers - the world's leading manufacturer of wind power plants, as well as haulage specialists Torben Rafn & Co. A/S. The Danish haulage firm was the very first customer to place an order with Goldhofer for a tower adapter to transport wind power plants and tower sections back in 1991. "When you have three proven experts in their fields sitting around a table, something truly ingenious can result. The new system impresses with its straightforward handling and simultaneous cost effectiveness", says Stefan Fuchs, CEO of Goldhofer AG.
 
Goldhofer is the only manufacturer to offer a system accommodating the eccentric centre of gravity of nacelles, taking into consideration both the longitudinal as well as the lateral offset.     This once again sets the Bavarian specialists apart from the competition. The innovative system ensures that the nacelles will arrive absolutely safely at their destination. The Goldhofer system achieves even axle loads and results in neutral driveability, even rough terrain. The vessel bridge system was also designed for extremely tight conditions. The nacelle is straightforward to load thanks to a side-mounted attachment and fastening of the longitudinal beams. The advantage: Set-up times are reduced and it is not necessary to use a crane. The flush-fitting of the Vestas transport frame and the play-free fastening mechanism with lock pins ensures safe transportation - lashing is no longer necessary. The longitudinal beams can also be fastened to the bogie without lashing for unladen trips and the cross beams simply coupled together. This means that the gross combination length is kept short thanks to the form-closed mount.
 
In addition, the Goldhofer bridge can also be used for other transport purposes, enabling rapid amortization on the investment. "The bridge scores highly in terms of flexibility and economical operation. For example, payloads of up to 95 tonnes can be realised in combination with a 10-axle heavy-duty module. That offers considerable options in terms of transportation", says Stefan Fuchs. Both partners were equally impressed by the functionality of the Goldhofer system. "The bridge is extremely quick and user-friendly. Vestas were particularly impressed by the fast loading time for nacelles“, says Torben Rafn, head of the Danish haulage firm.
 
About Goldhofer AG
The history of Goldhofer AG can be traced back to 1705. Today, Goldhofer AG is a leading supplier of truck semitrailers, heavy-duty transport systems and aircraft tractors, employing over 600 staff worldwide.