The international lifting equipment supplier based in Ireland has introduced a new product, the Combi-LC, to cater to the load handling requirements of large-scale offshore wind turbine manufacturers. Designed at Combilift’s headquarters in Monaghan, Ireland, in collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, the Combi-LC facilitates the movement of wind turbine blades and towers through various production stages and storage locations, including ports and load-out facilities.
The new Combi-LC Blade, capable of handling loads up to 75 tonnes, can efficiently transport turbine blades up to 115m long over distances exceeding 5 kms. With its unique multi-directional steering capabilities, the machine can compete with adapted equipment like container reach stackers or slings attached to spreaders. While tower sections can also be moved using the Combi-LC, handling very heavy and powerful tower sections may require specialized equipment.
The Combi-LC can be customized for transporting a wide range of long and awkward loads, including bridge sections and masts. Combilift manufactures most components in-house, making it easy to tailor equipment to specific requirements. The company’s bespoke Load Carriers, featuring a patent-pending design, consist of two remote-controlled units with customizable chassis beds for tandem operation based on load type and weight.
Siemens Gamesa, a leading offshore wind supplier, has already placed a multi-million order for the bespoke Load Carriers, marking the first adoption of this new technology. Combilift is also in discussions with other offshore wind companies to meet similar demands. As Combilift celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the company anticipates significant revenue growth in the offshore wind sector, targeting over €50 million per year by 2026.
Josh Moffett, Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s expansion into the offshore wind sector through the launch of the Combi-LC. He highlighted the challenges posed by large-scale offshore wind projects and emphasized the product’s customized design to address industry-specific needs.
Michael Woods, Head of Offshore Equipment Operations at Siemens Gamesa, praised the functionality and maneuverability of the new LC Blade mover, expressing anticipation for its performance in real-world applications. Additionally, Combilift has introduced Combi-Connect, a telematics software product that enhances fleet management by providing real-time data on performance, location tracking, analytics, and maintenance alerts.
