Wind transport company Geo Trasporti has successfully completed the delivery of 27 wind turbine blades for the Mondonuovo wind farm in southern Italy, marking a significant milestone for the company’s logistical capabilities. The transportation of the blades, which are critical components of the wind farm project, was completed using two Astra HD9 vehicles equipped with Allison transmissions.
Geo Trasporti, known for its expertise in transporting oversized cargo, faced a complex logistical challenge due to the length and weight of the wind turbine blades. The vehicles were specially purchased in 2024 to ensure optimal vehicle control, power, and precision during manoeuvres on public roads.
The first 81-meter-long wind blade was transported earlier this year from Brindisi Harbour, located in southern Italy, to the Mondonuovo wind farm site in Mesagne, a 40-kilometer journey. In total, the company transported 27 blades, corresponding to nine turbines, for the RWE-owned wind farm project.
Massimo Carlini, the commercial and technical manager at Geo Trasporti, who personally drove the convoy, commented: “The transport went really well. I must say I was thrilled; I had never tried such a vehicle before.” He also highlighted the importance of the fully automatic transmissions in ensuring the vehicles’ performance. “Every manoeuvre is critical in such a transport, and not losing power is essential, not only to save fuel but especially to ensure vehicle control during low-speed manoeuvres,” he added.
The company’s first experience with Allison transmissions was deemed successful, with Carlini praising the in-house tests and the vehicle’s performance in the field. “The tests conducted in-house with the fully automatic transmissions were excellent, and today in the field, the vehicle performed exceptionally well,” Carlini noted.
Geo Trasporti operates a fleet of 25 road tractors and 50 trailers, including three blade-lifting vehicles. Roberto Carlini, the company’s chief finance officer and project manager, said, “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 transports, like this one in Brindisi.”
Simone Pace, area sales manager at Allison Transmission, explained the benefits of the transmission system in complex operations. “The torque converter in the Allison fully automatic transmission multiplies the engine’s torque at startup, which helps a lot when starting with very heavy or bulky loads. The starts are smooth, with gentle gear shifts, which is essential for such extreme missions,” Pace stated.
The Mondonuovo wind farm, located in the municipalities of Mesagne and Brindisi, is owned by RWE and will feature nine turbines, each with a 5.9MW capacity, totaling 53.1MW. The wind farm is expected to be completed by June 2025, at which point it will begin electricity production.
