Global Logistics in the Secondary Market for Wind Turbines: Challenges, Opportunities and Solution Strategies

The secondary market for wind turbines is winning is becoming increasingly important. With the age of the first wind farms, a increasing demand for used equipment, especially in the context of Repowering strategies. Technological developments make the replacement older investments are becoming increasingly attractive, while at the same time investors and operators pay attention to the profitability of used systems. These Development requires efficient, reliable and globally coordinated Logistics processes. Environmental and geographical factors play a role in this. play a decisive role. Extreme weather conditions, inaccessible locations and infrastructural limitations can significantly slow down or reduce transport. so that every company can rely on precise planning and flexible solutions . At the same time, market factors such as international demand, different regulations and complex financing and Insurance models as driving forces. Fluctuating energy prices, political framework and regional funding programmes influence the investment decisions and increase the requirements for a forward-looking, risk-optimized logistics.

The identification of suitable plants is a central challenge in the secondary market. Used wind turbines differ greatly in year of manufacture, technology, maintenance history and technical condition. A superficial assessment is not enough to assess the To ensure the profitability and safety of the investment. rotor blades, towers, generators and control systems must be detailed as any deviation will affect the transport and commissioning of the . In addition, there are regulatory differences between countries of origin and and target market, which requires both technical approval and safety standards. Companies must therefore have standardised inspection protocols and digital documentation systems to provide well-founded To be able to make decisions and minimize risks at an early stage.

In addition, the lack of market transparency, price discovery and risk assessment. Unlike the Neumarkt, there are no uniform valuation mechanisms in the secondary market, so that both buyers and sellers can rely on expert knowledge and experience are dependent.

An early involvement of logistics and engineering expertise is crucial to provide a holistic assessment of facilities, transportability and economic viability.  

What are the special challenges during transport? 

The transport of wind turbines is logistically particularly challenging. Rotor blades can be over 70 meters long towers and gondolas weigh several tons. Such dimensions require special transport vehicles, module transports, crane logistics and the precise Coordination of loading and unloading processes. In addition, multimodal Transport chains by road, rail, inland waterways and sea routes necessary especially for international deliveries. Each section of the transport chain involves specific risks that are carefully planned and monitored . Physical restrictions such as road widths, bridge loads, Port facilities or crane ranges determine the feasibility of individual routes. Safety standards and international regulations also influence the Method of securing, loading and transporting.

Efficient solutions therefore rely on the simulation of transport routes, the development of tailor-made transport units and comprehensive risk management, which includes potential Delays or damage minimized. Only by combining technical expertise and practical experience, the complex requirements of the secondary market.

Why does the secondary market need global Logistics networks? 

Logistics in the secondary market for Wind turbines is intrinsically international. Investments are often used via continents, so that a global network of partners and partners service providers. Effective planning requires close Alignment of all stakeholders along the supply chain – from storage and Interim storage and port handling to just-in-time transports. Different national regulations, customs regulations and safety standards make this coordination particularly challenging.

Especially in this segment, human Know-how is crucial. Experienced specialists can identify risks at an early stage develop solutions pragmatically and take into account the multitude of international Reconciling requirements. Support digital tools but in no way replace the expertise and experience that the difference between delay and on-time delivery. Only through the combination of global networking and expert management, used wind turbines reliably and efficiently worldwide transport.

 "With our many years of experience and our global network, we are in the to efficiently manage every phase of the logistics of used wind turbines. shape. We combine technical know-how, digital systems and international partnerships to minimise risks and support projects reliably to the goal." 

– Maida Žeric, CEO Seafreight, Transway. More about Transway:   https://spedition-seefracht.de/de/spezialtransport/windkraftanlagen

What are the economic and regulatory Factors play a role? 

In addition to technical and organizational economic and regulatory factors determine logistics in the Secondary market. Financing models must be flexibly adapted to the increased risk share due to used equipment, transport distance and potential delays react. Insurance must cover transport risks, installation and potential Covers claims, which affects the premium structure. At the same time, country-specific regulations on noise, safety and environmental standards in order to minimise legal risks and to avoid the authorisation on the target location.

Successful logistics strategies take these framework conditions into account at an early stage and integrate financial and insurance planning, regulatory compliance, and technical expertise in a holistic planning approach.

Logistics in the secondary market for Wind turbines pose considerable challenges for companies. The identification of suitable plants, the planning and implementation of technical transports, the coordination of global networks and the consideration of economic and regulatory framework conditions interdisciplinary expertise, experience and precision.

Transway has exactly this expertise. With our many years of experience, our international partner network and integration of digital systems, we offer tailor-made logistics solutions, minimise risk, increase efficiency and ensure on-time delivery worldwide. We understand the complex requirements of the secondary market and support our customers in completing projects according to plan and successfully.