Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 14, Geo Trasporti, an Italian transport company, successfully delivered 27 wind turbine blades to the Mondonuovo wind farm in Mesagne, Italy, earlier this year. The blades, essential for nine wind turbines, were transported from Brindisi Harbour, approximately 40 kilometers away, to the project site owned by RWE. The operation marked a significant achievement due to the blades’ large size, measuring 81 meters in length, and their substantial weight.
For this task, Geo Trasporti deployed two Astra HD9 vehicles, newly acquired in 2024, fitted with Allison 4700 Specialty Series fully automatic transmissions. These vehicles were chosen for their ability to handle complex maneuvers on public roads, ensuring precise control and consistent power delivery. The first blade was moved early in the year, followed by the remaining 26 components, completing the delivery for the wind farm’s turbine setup.
Massimo Carlini, Geo Trasporti’s commercial and technical manager, led the convoy. He stated: “The transport went really well. I was thrilled; I had never tried such a vehicle before.” This project was the company’s first experience using Allison transmissions, which proved effective during testing and on-site operations. Carlini added: “Every maneuver is critical in such a transport, and not losing power is essential to ensure vehicle control during low-speed maneuvers.”
Roberto Carlini, the company’s chief finance officer and project manager, highlighted their fleet of 25 road tractors and 50 trailers, including specialized blade-lifting vehicles. He noted: “In our sector, vehicle performance is crucial. We purchased the two Astra HD9s with Allison transmissions in 2024 specifically for the most important and delicate transportations, like this one in Brindisi. Our drivers are proud to drive these vehicles.”
Simone Pace, area sales manager at Allison Transmission, explained the transmissions’ suitability for such tasks. He said: “The torque converter in the Allison fully automatic transmission multiplies the engine’s torque at startup, which helps when starting with very heavy or bulky loads: the driver doesn’t need to work too hard with the gearbox, and the starts are smooth, with gentle gear shifts.” Pace also emphasized the synchronized performance during tandem towing, which simplified the operation.
The Mondonuovo wind farm, located in the municipalities of Mesagne and Brindisi, will feature nine turbines, each generating 5.9MW, for a total capacity of 53.1MW. Construction is progressing, with completion expected by June 2025, when the farm will begin producing electricity. The successful delivery of the blades supports the project’s timeline and underscores Geo Trasporti’s capability in handling large-scale, specialized transport operations.
