A modern wind turbine blade measures 60 to 80 metres and weighs up to 45 tonnes. It fits in no container and on no conventional truck. Getting it from the pier to the wind farm takes weeks of planning for a few hours of movement. This is how it is done.
Ocean leg and discharge
Blades travel on deck of general cargo or multipurpose vessels, secured in frames. In the Dominican Republic, Río Haina is the usual port for this cargo thanks to its general and project cargo capacity. We coordinate the berthing window and crane with the terminal and request direct discharge: the piece goes from the crane to the trailer that will drive it to site, without touching the yard. That avoids a second lift and storage days that, for pieces this size, are billed by the metre.
Route survey
Before the vessel sails from origin, we drive the full route with the specialized hauler. We measure bridge and power line heights, turning radii at every intersection, road widths and bridge load capacity. A blade on an extendable trailer means a combination over 80 metres long, with a turning radius that sometimes requires removing signs, moving poles or building temporary bypasses. All of that is identified and costed in the survey.
Permits and escorts
Equipment
Blades use extendable trailers or blade lifters (hydraulic adapters that tilt the blade to clear tight turns). Nacelles and towers use lowboys and modular multi-axle platforms. Transformers need 400 to 600-tonne heavy-lift cranes at the unloading site. Every piece gets a rigging plan signed by engineering.
When to start
The most expensive mistake in project cargo is planning late. Permits take weeks, specialized equipment is booked in advance and berthing windows at Río Haina are coordinated with the terminal. Our recommendation: involve us eight to twelve weeks before the expected arrival.
If you have wind components, transformers or heavy machinery on the way, send us dimensions, weight and final destination. We return a route, schedule and budget.
Talk to the team