High-quality and efficient logistics play a key role in the service package of the Pori Offshore Wind Hub. Vuorsola Oy is a company specialising in demanding lifts and special transports, with roots dating all the way back to 1947.
Vuorsola has been responsible for the port transfers of the heaviest components of the world’s first offshore wind farm that operates in frozen sea conditions, Suomen Hyötytuuli. Typically, components of offshore wind turbines are moved by SPMTs (self-propelled modular transporters) controlled by remote controls. SPMTs are part of Vuorsola’s extensive fleet.
“We are the only transport company in Finland with practical experience of offshore wind power,” says Elina Hassinen, Transport Manager at Vuorsola.
For offshore wind power, the transport need is specifically internal to the port: components imported by sea must be moved to the storage field, some from there to the pre-installation area or next to the installation vessel. The same applies to the foundations of turbines. Everything has to run reliably, with high quality and, if necessary, also flexibly.
“Everything operates on the just-on-time principle. There are many variables: ships can be late and the weather conditions required for installations can change quickly. The daily rate for installation vessels is especially high, so transfers are made when the conditions allow for it, regardless of whether it’s Christmas or Midsummer.”
Vuorsola’s personnel have participated in the Offshore Wind Hub’s study trips to similar centres in Europe, and have also independently familiarised themselves with different ports and their logistical solutions. The company wants to be at the forefront of the development of offshore wind power and the industry’s transport expertise.
Extensive experience in demanding transports
The company has also gained the know-how required for wind turbine logistics from onshore wind power transports. Vuorsola has transported about a quarter of the components for the wind turbines that have been built in Finland in recent years.
“In practice, this has corresponded to around 50–70 turbines and all their components every year,” says Mikko Vuorsola, CEO of Vuorsola.
“Each component alone is a massive special transport. A large project can have a total of 600 components, for example, and the transport of each one requires its own meticulous planning,” Hassinen says.
The key components and their transportation have their own special features. For example, the blades are so long that the driver cannot see the rear of the load even
through the mirrors. Therefore, the driver must be able to rely fully on the person who controls the rear end of the trailer with the remote control.
Nacelles are not the largest components, only slightly larger than a shipping container, but they are really heavy. The components of the largest turbines weigh up to more than a hundred tonnes, which must be taken into account in, for example, long braking distances.
The tower sections are also large, and furthermore, their centre of gravity is high. Even a small dent in the tower sections can affect the durability of the structures. Therefore, quality is of paramount importance in all transports: no component should get scratched.
Logistics an important part of the Offshore Wind Hub’s overall service
Vuorsola is an important part of the unique service network of the Pori Offshore Wind Hub. Wind power companies receive a complete package from the hub that practically includes all necessary services.
At the same time, the service network increases the degree of domesticity of the projects and ensures the most flexible operations possible.
“In transport, we are an operator with insight and experience in the transport and logistics of heavy components. Proximity is also a great advantage, as the installation of wind turbines is so dependent on the weather conditions. We are in the area and can get there in half an hour if necessary,” says Vuorsola.