Ahoy! New wind turbine blades sail into King Island
The 25‑metre‑long blades made the journey from Devonport aboard the John Duigan, with TasPorts’ Bass Island Line crew navigating the complex logistical challenge of shipping components of this scale.
The safe arrival of the blades now paves the way for the next phase of repairs to begin.
Hydro Tasmania’s consulting business Entura is leading the project and overseeing the turbine repairs.
A multi-team effort
Entura Project Manager Kristian Payne said transporting components at this scale required great skill and the successful delivery had been a team effort.
“The logistics behind transporting blades of this size requires careful planning, coordination and collaboration,” says Kristian.
“From loading the blades in Devonport to safely delivering them to King Island, this has been a complex operation and we thank TasPorts and Total Freight Solutions for their expertise and support.”
A complex operation
The successful delivery is also a testament to the capability of the Bass Island Line crew.
Bass Island Line General Manager Toby Terry said the successful delivery reflected the strength and capability of the service.
“Moves like this highlight the versatility of the John Duigan and the skill of our crew,” says Toby.
“Managing cargo of this scale alongside regular freight services requires disciplined planning and precise execution, particularly when operating within the constraints of tides and vessel stability requirements.”
What’s next?
The new blades will replace the blades on a wind turbine that sustained damage during extreme wind conditions.
Work over the coming months will include:
- Repairs to the turbine tower and concrete foundation
- Replacing the nacelle
- Installing the newly delivered blades
These upgrades form part of Hydro Tasmania’s broader program of wind turbine refurbishment on King Island.
Recently, four turbines were successfully refurbished and are now back in service, with only minor work still to be completed.
The wind turbine works are expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
