Introduction:
The ABB Group, a multinational technology company based in Sweden and Switzerland, was commissioned by BC Hydro to upgrade their power transmission grid.
At the Mica Dam, BC’s largest hydroelectric plant, the purpose of the upgrade was to help increase power output from 1805 megawatts to over 2800.
The upgrade included seven new transformers to effectively provide power to over 80,000 homes during the peak energy consumption season. When ABB needed the transformers delivered to the Mica Dam, they called Apex.
The Challenge:
The transformers weighed 107 metric tonnes. Not only did we need our best equipment to meet this challenge, but we needed to follow the strict requirements of the Ministry of Transportation for moving oversize and overweight loads on public roadways. Every bridge, overpass, and culvert crossing needed to be evaluated by professionals to ensure the route would hold the load. As well, due to the weather in this remote location, we knew that we were on a limited timeline to get the job done.
The Solution:
ABB trusted Apex with this highly specialized procedure. Our team of experienced movers carefully planned the delivery and supplied the necessary equipment, including jack and roll systems, our dual-lane trailer, two Western Star tractors, and three pilot cars. We hired a professional engineering firm to conduct a thorough analysis of the roadways and bridges from the railyard to the project’s site. The pilot cars ensured safety along the route, with each driver maintaining radio control and carefully following the pre-planned course. The cargo was safely delivered to the site. Once on site, the tractor and trailers moved the dual-lane trailer into position under the dam’s 300-ton gantry crane. Here it was offloaded from the trailer and successfully moved to the final location. From beginning to end, the project took a full two months.
The Outcome:
We provided ABB with a safe and efficient delivery of the new transformers to the Mica Dam site. Although the task was difficult and involved multiple well-trained professionals, in the end, ABB was fully satisfied with our planning, scheduling, and delivery.
Apex and NorLand:
Apex Specialized Rigging and Moving is part of the newly formed NorLand Industrial Services (NIS) Group, which is delivering integrated solutions for a wide range of complex industrial projects. As a group of companies, we are well equipped with an exclusive combination of services that include demolition, engineering, specialized rigging and moving, installation, maintenance, and construction management. As our reputation for safety and service continues to grow, more and more industrial clients like the ABB Group are trusting the NIS Group to provide complete solutions to their biggest challenges.
NorLand Industrial Services Group is a part of NorLand Limited.
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