Combilift announces move into offshore wind sector

It said the scale of the requirements of those developing offshore wind equipment has driven the need for bespoke handling solutions across the supply chain.

For example, it said blades of wind turbines being moved are longer than the Aviva Stadium pitch, and weigh around seven times more than the world's heaviest elephant.

The company said it has spent over two years developing the technology for the 'Combilift Load-Carrier'.

"The Combi-LC allows for the movement of blades and towers of wind turbines through production facilities, and to storage locations – sometimes as much as 5km in distance," it said in a statement.

"The equipment works by two vehicles working in tandem, communicating and operating simultaneously to secure the load at both ends, and move it safely to another location," it added.

It said this specialist equipment can move blades 115m in length and that weigh up to 70 tonnes.

Siemens Gamesa, one of the world's largest offshore wind suppliers, has become the first company to leverage the new technology by signing a multi-million order for a number of the bespoke Load Carriers.

Combilift said it is in active discussions with other offshore wind companies with similar demands.

The company expects to generate over €50m in revenue per year in this market segment by 2026.

"We invest 7% of our revenue annually in R&D and today is the culmination of many years' hard work," said Martin McVicar, Managing Director of Combilift.

"We are delighted to be here continuing this tradition of innovation 25 years after Combilift was established.

"Now employing over 800 people in Monaghan and 200 people in other locations across the world, the success of Combilift is testament to our people, our customers and the support provided by Enterprise Ireland," he added.