Reversing with 24-metre-long Windmill Sails

Anyone familiar with the Dutch countryside will know that the roads leading to windmills are rarely very wide. The same applied to the route to De Vriendschap flour mill, where on 1 September we delivered the stocks (main beams) for the mill’s new sails.

While we are more accustomed to transporting modern wind turbines, we certainly did not shy away from this unique project. The new stocks were loaded by our driver in Bergharen the day before. To transport the beams, which measured almost 24 metres in length, one of our extendable trailers was used. The following day, our team set off from Moerdijk towards Bleskensgraaf.

The final stretch through the polder required careful route planning. By selecting a smart approach, part of the narrow access road could be avoided. The last section of the journey, almost a kilometre long, had to be completed in reverse. Thanks to a road closure arranged in advance, our escort vehicle and truck were able to carry out the operation safely and efficiently. Years of experience and clear communication between the escort driver and truck driver ensured that this final stage of the route was completed smoothly.

Meanwhile, the old stocks had been removed, allowing lifting operations to begin immediately upon arrival. The new stocks were hoisted into the windmill’s shaft head one by one, after which the millwright could continue with the installation. The old stocks were then removed in sections using our now-shortened trailer.

Work on the new sail assembly will be completed over the coming weeks. It is expected that De Vriendschap flour mill will be back in full operation within two to three weeks.

For our team, this was an excellent example of specialist transport, bringing together careful preparation, craftsmanship and teamwork. We are proud to have contributed in this way to the preservation of this distinctive piece of Dutch heritage.

Van der Vlist – The Power to Care