Logistec’s cargo handling experts have successfully coordinated a short sea shipping project to connect Ontario-made wind power components with renewable energy projects in Atlantic Canada. Turbine manufacturer ENERCON has been working with a local partner to manufacture concrete tower sections for use at wind power facilities throughout the Niagara region.
When the time came to send some of these 24- to 50-metric tonne pieces to Nova Scotia, Logistec went above and beyond stevedoring to coordinate a turnkey short sea shipping solution for our customer. “We had an opportunity to reduce the number of trucks on the road for this project, which made logistical sense because of the large size and weight of the cargo. But in this case, reducing our carbon footprint was also a key factor,” said Frank Montecalvo, Sales and Marketing Manager (Ontario and Western Canada) at Logistec. “Moving environmentally-friendly wind energy components over water is a winning combination that limits greenhouse gases throughout the supply chain.”
Logistec worked with Groupe Desgagnés to secure a vessel for the five- to 10-metre long towers, and M/V Rosaire A. Desgagnés arrived safely in Port Weller on June 7. Logistec loaded this multipurpose heavy lift tweendeck ship with 78 tower sections destined for Sheet Harbour, about 90 minutes northeast of Halifax. Upon arrival, Logistec’s local team in Atlantic Canada unloaded and stored the pieces until regional construction sites are ready to put each turbine in place.
“Short sea shipping benefits shippers and suppliers throughout our industry. We’re proud to be a part of a project that makes the most of Highway H2O and showcases the quality of our terminals along the St. Lawrence Seaway and in the Maritimes,” said Jean-Marc Bélanger, Sales and Marketing Manager (Québec) at Logistec. “Logistec can offer both loading and unloading solutions by drawing on the scope of our network. We’ve done this for similar projects in Québec, and realize how important it is to work seamlessly and have the right partners in place.”
Wind energy components such as blades, nacelles, turbines, and hubs have been steadily arriving in Sheet Harbour since Logistec began operating at the facility in 2012. Because they’re made of carbon fibre and lightweight alloys, these oversized and distinctively-shaped products are prone to damage from being bumped or coming into contact with other pieces of cargo. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable team that uses the right equipment and techniques.
“The Maritimes has seen an exciting surge in wind cargo over the past few years. Sheet Harbour, a sister port to Halifax located about 90 minutes away, can quickly and efficiently discharge these products to either its 12-acre laydown area adjacent to the wharf, or directly to trucks and trailers,” says Anthony Steele, Operations Manager at Logistec. “We’re looking forward to seeing these tower sections in action, generating green energy for Atlantic Canada.”