Galveston Exports 53-Meter Wind Turbine Blades to Brazil

Metro Ports is providing stevedore and terminal handling services for Siemens Energy Inc.’s export wind turbine blade projects through the Port of Galveston. Siemens plans to export 246 53-meter blades between May and July 2013. 

The wind turbine blades, manufactured by Siemens in Iowa and destined for three wind projects in Brazil, are being transported via the BNSF Railway. Inherent in the movement of these longer blades is a complex transportation and logistics process that takes team work and proper coordination across multiple organizations to assure damage-free results. For example, the Port of Galveston rehabilitated and modified two existing rail track spurs and added two rail track spurs in order to accommodate oversized wind project cargo. The BNSF negotiated special clearances to ensure safe passage across the U.S. Midwest, and Metro Ports utilized specialty trailers while transporting the blades through the terminal. 

These are the longest blades ever handled through the Port of Galveston. A 53-meter blade extends more than half the length of a football field. A single blade requires a handling trailer approximately 125 feet long. The BNSF moves up to 33 of these blades on a single unit train. 

The blades will be loaded aboard Intermarine, LLC’s chartered vessels. Intermarine is providing professional port captains who will oversee loading operations and interface directly with Metro Ports.

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