Bollore Logistics handles out of gauge equipment from Spain to Rwanda

September 29, 2020: Bollore Logistics was contracted to transport and deliver out of gauge cargo from Spain to Shango substation in Rwanda through the port of Mombasa. The cargo consisted of 8 shunt reactors each weighing 29 tonnes, and 2 transformers weighing 51 tonnes and 75 tonnes.

With a capacity of 220/110kV, Shango substation is the largest in Rwanda, has been designed to receive and transmit electrical power from the region as part of the Nile Equatorial Lakes Power Interconnection Programme aimed at connecting the electric grids of Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda. 

Jason Reynard, CEO, Bollore Transport & Logistics East Africa, said, "This project allowed us to demonstrate our agility in a complex environment. Through close collaboration between the Bollore Logistics teams in Spain, Kenya and Rwanda, it was successfully completed."

When complete, Shango substation will have a total of six 220kV line bays. Works for first two-line bays to interconnect with Uganda networks were completed and launched in 2019. Construction is ongoing for the remaining four 220kV line bays, which will interconnect with Eastern DRC and Western Tanzania networks. 

With an end to end scope of service awarded to Bollore Logistics in Spain, a network strategy involving the Bollore Logistics projects team in Kenya and the Bollore Logistics Rwanda team was employed to ensure a seamless clearance, transport, delivery and installation of this sensitive cargo after arrival at the port of Mombasa.

In consideration of the steep terrain on the last mile remote road access where the station is located, the team employed a fleet of modular hydraulic multi-axle trailers. The Bollore Logistics team also installed the units on the service plinths of the station through a special jacking and skidding method.