Huge wind farm electricity transformer transported from Port of Ipswich to Bramford

The first of four huge electricity transformers has been transported from the Port of Ipswich to its new home at Bramford.

The transformers will convert green energy from the second biggest offshore wind farm in the world into electricity to power more than one million homes.

The transformer weighs 323 tonnes and is capable of producing up to 463MVA (megavolt-amperes) of electricity.

The transformer heads out to Bramford (Image: ScottishPower Renewables) Because of its size - it is 9.6m long, 4.1m wide and 4.3m tall – it had to be transported under police escort from the port to ScottishPower Renewables’ onshore converter station site at Bramford - set up for the East Anglia THREE offshore wind farm.

The machine was made by Siemens Energy in Germany and arrived from the port of Bremen.

Once at the port, the transformer was lifted at ABP’s Port of Ipswich by Allelys from General Cargo Ship Eems Tjonger.

The transformer being lifted onto dry land (Image: ABP)

The abnormal load was conveyed to site by specialist transport company, Allelys, following a dedicated route agreed with local authorities and police.

Delivery of the remaining three transformers will take place on Sunday, June 30, Sunday, July 7, and Sunday, July 14, and will follow the same route.

The transformer heading to its Bramford home (Image: ScottishPower Renewables)

The transformers are key components for the onshore converter station which lies on the western outskirts of Ipswich.

They will convert energy produced by East Anglia THREE’s 95 wind turbines in the southern North Sea.

The energy will brought onshore at Bawdsey before travelling underground to Bramford so it can connect to the national grid.

East Anglia THREE grid execution manager, Niall Armstrong said: “The delivery of the first transformer to Bramford is an important milestone not just for our onshore works to build the infrastructure needed to ensure the clean energy from our windfarm can get from power to plug, but for the East Anglia THREE project as whole.

"It was a real team effort to get this huge piece of kit safely on site and my thanks to everyone involved - Siemens Energy, Keltbray Construction, ABP, Allelys, National Highways, the local roads authorities, and the police.

The transformer arriving at the electricity converter station at Bramford (Image: ScottishPower Renewables)

“While we always do what we can to keep any disruption to a minimum, I want to especially thank local people and businesses who may have been affected by the necessary traffic management required and thank them in advance for their patience and understanding while we bring the remaining transformers to site over the next few weeks.

"You are helping us deliver a cleaner and greener future for us all.”

ABP said it was proud to have played a role in supporting the remarkable operation.

“We were pleased to work closely with Allelys to ensure that the project has gone smoothly to date, and our support for this operation exemplifies our commitment to facilitating key infrastructure projects for the region and nation," said a spokeswoman.

“ABP has been a vital and necessary partner in delivering this project, and we are grateful for everyone’s patience and cooperation as the components make their way across Suffolk to their final destination.”

A crane lifts the transformer  (Image: ABP)