You are here:

News

River Trent welcomes its largest load in Nottinghamshire

22nd Sep 2008

On Thursday 18 September the first of a series of abnormal load movements was successfully completed on the River Trent in support of the re-development of Staythorpe Power Station.

The operation was planned 12 months in advance by ALSTOM, a global leader in equipment and services for power generation, and British Waterways, which cares for the UK’s 2,000-mile network of inland waterways. The first movement involved the transportation by water of a 370-ton gas turbine.

Using a 68m-long, 9.5m-wide Drive-in Pontoon, towed by two tugs, the journey took place over 2 days and required the planned closure of the River Trent to other river users. The journey began in Hull and ended close to Cottam in Nottinghamshire and is believed to be the largest abnormal, indivisible load ever carried up this part of the River Trent.

"These are extremely large and heavy electrical components and moving them by road proved not to be a viable option," explained Mathias Schaller from ALSTOM’S Logistics Department. "Having the ability to use the river made all the difference and we are very pleased with the way this operation has gone. Moreover, the excellent co-operation with British Waterways has contributed substantially to the successful completion of the first movement."

"We were delighted to have been able to be of assistance to Alstom," says Neil Harvey, British Waterways' customer operation manager. "The operation has gone very smoothly and proves that the River Trent, and other large waterways like it, still have an important contribution to make in moving heavy goods. We look forward to continuing to work with ALSTOM over the next six months to complete the project."

There will be a further 11 barge movements on the River Trent from September 2008 to March 2009 to supply the remaining components for Staythorpe Power Station.

Last updated: 22/10/2008