Checklist for Safe Transport of Oversized Wind Turbine Components

Transporting oversized wind turbine components requires precise planning, strict compliance, and flawless execution. Because Cranes for You strongly believes that adhering to regulations and standards is the most important step toward Goal Zero, this checklist is included in our Knowledge Centre as a practical tool for organisations involved in WTG transport operations.

What This Checklist Covers

This checklist outlines the essential steps for planning, executing, and verifying the safe transport of oversized wind turbine components. It brings together industry best practices for risk control, route planning, equipment selection, escorting, communication, and operational coordination.

Why It Matters in Heavy Lifting & Transport

Oversized WTG components—tower sections, blades, nacelles, hubs, and generators—present complex logistical challenges. Safe transport requires the correct vehicles, suitable routes, precise manoeuvring, and coordinated control of risks such as overturning, crosswinds, road geometry, and public traffic.

By following a structured checklist, organisations reduce uncertainty, improve predictability, and strengthen compliance across the entire transport chain.

Key Elements of Safe WTG Transport

• 1. Essential Transport Planning: Define load dimensions, mass, equipment, and manufacturer requirements.
• 2. Route Assessment: Survey the route for bridges, bends, gradients, obstacles, and clearance limitations.
• 3. Weather & Wind Limits: Set wind thresholds and environmental criteria for safe movement.
• 4. Equipment Safety Checks: Verify WLL, securing systems, trailer steering, braking, stability and fastening points.
• 5. Escorting & Communication: Assign escort vehicles and ensure clear communication between drivers and supervisors.
• 6. Permits & Authorities: Obtain required permits and coordinate with local authorities and traffic management teams.
• 7. Controlled Execution: Use toolbox talks, convoy procedures, spotters and defined emergency protocols.
• 8. Post-Transport Review: Inspect equipment, document learnings and update procedures.

Official Source

This checklist originates from a joint initiative by several major wind turbine manufacturers — including Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, Enercon and General Electric.
They developed this guidance in response to recurring damage incidents during transport, aiming to standardise best practices and reduce risks across the global wind industry.

Related Knowledge Articles

• Influences of Wind on Crane Operations
• Best Practice Guide for Transport and Installation of Onshore WTG Systems
• ICSA Crane Ground Preparation for Wind Farms
• SPMT Best Practice Guide by ESTA

Ready for Safer and More Predictable WTG Transport?

If you want to strengthen transport safety, minimise delays and ensure full compliance, Cranes for You can support you with expert advice, training and operational guidance.

You can download the full oversized WTG transport checklist directly from this page.