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Transport of Turbines

The transport of wind turbines to Vaðalda Wind Farm is one of the most extensive heavy haulage operations undertaken in Iceland. Here you can find practical information about the transport operations, preparations, and the estimated timetable.

When will the transports take place?

  • Night-time transport of wind turbines to Vaðölduver began on 7 May 2026.
  • Transport will generally take place six nights per week, with a break on Sunday nights.
  • The transport period is expected to last 7–9 weeks.
  • The average speed of the convoy is estimated at around 30 km/h, meaning its journey from Þorlákshöfn to Vaðölduver will typically take 4–6 hours.
  • Transport will be carried out in two phases, in 2026 and 2027, with the second phase beginning in spring 2027.

The Transport Route

View the route in Google Maps

The transport route is approximately 130 km long. From the port in Þorlákshöfn, the convoy travels via Routes 427 and 38, then briefly via Route 33, before joining the Ring Road No. 1 east of Selfoss. From there, the transport follows the Ring Road for approximately 27 km before turning onto Route 26 (Landvegur) for just over 60 km from the junction to the project site.

There will be approximately 350 individual transports, and each convoy may be up to 250 metres long. Each wind turbine requires 13 permit-based transports. Road closures and diversions will be announced at a later stage.

To ensure the route is suitable for transport, road improvements will be carried out at various locations before the transports begin.

The transport route from the port in Þorlákshöfn to the construction site in Vaðalda.

How will the turbines be transported?

The wind turbines will arrive in Þorlákshöfn by cargo vessel from the German manufacturer Enercon. The vessel, E-Ship 1, is designed specifically for transporting wind turbines and will carry two wind turbines per voyage.

Containers, individual components, and other equipment will be transported to the construction site of Vaðalda Wind Farm on standard trailers. Tower sections and generators will be transported on specialised trailers that will be imported specifically for this project.

Q&A

  • The first phase, 14 wind turbines and a transformer, will take place in spring/summer 2026. The second phase with the remaining 14 wind turbines will take place in spring/summer 2027.

  • Each transport phase is expected to take 7–9 weeks. The average speed of the convoy is expected to be around 30 km/h, meaning the journey from Þorlákshöfn to the construction site will usually take 4–6 hours.

  • The total number of transport journeys is expected to be between 300 and 400, with approximately 13 trips per wind turbine.

  • The wind turbines will be transported from Þorlákshöfn to Vaðalda Wind Farm along a route of approximately 130 km. The route can be viewed here.

  • It will not be possible to overtake the convoys or pass them safely in the opposite direction. Road closures and diversions will be announced separately.

  • Heavy transport places additional strain on roads. Measures are being taken to ensure that roads can withstand the load and avoid unacceptable damage. The route will be reinforced, and road widening and other improvements will be carried out in close co-operation with the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.

    The trailers are designed to distribute weight across multiple axles, and convoys will travel at low speed. Where necessary, maintenance and repairs will be carried out after transport has been completed. Any widened or reinforced road sections will become part of the permanent road network and will benefit road users in the future.

  • The convoys will be able to navigate tight corners because junctions and turning areas will be widened and adapted for long and heavy vehicles. In addition, specialised trailers with multiple steering axles will be used, allowing the convoy to follow the road safely.

    Convoys will travel slowly and will be accompanied by trained drivers and escort vehicles. Where needed, traffic will be temporarily stopped to allow the convoy to use more road space to complete difficult turns safely.

Videos

The videos below show examples of sea transport and the movement of wind turbine components from a harbour. They provide an indication of what similar transport operations will look like in Iceland.