Hydro Tasmania has successfully transported massive 25-metre wind turbine blades to King Island following a complex shipping operation from Devonport.
The oversized cargo was delivered aboard the John Duigan vessel in partnership with TasPorts’ Bass Island Line crew. The delivery allows crucial repair work to begin on a damaged wind turbine.
The blades will replace components on a turbine that sustained damage during extreme wind conditions.
Hydro Tasmania’s consulting arm Entura is overseeing the repair project.
Entura Project Manager Kristian Payne said the operation required exceptional planning and teamwork.
“The logistics behind transporting blades of this size requires careful planning, coordination and collaboration,” Payne said.
“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.”
Bass Island Line General Manager Toby Terry praised his crew’s handling of the challenging cargo.
“Moves like this highlight the versatility of the John Duigan and the skill of our crew,” Terry said.
“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.”
The repair project involves multiple stages including tower and concrete foundation repairs, replacing the nacelle and installing the new blades.
Hydro Tasmania recently completed refurbishing four other King Island wind turbines, which have all returned to service with only minor works remaining.
The damaged turbine repairs are expected to finish by the end of 2026.
