A GIANT electricity transformer is to be shipped by sea to a Gwynedd beach.

The equipment will be carried by the cargo barge the Terra Marique.

According to the Porthmadog Harbour Master’s report the ship will be anchored off Morfa Bychan before the transformer is unloaded onto the beach.

The load will be then taken by road to Trawsfynydd Substation, in the Eryri National Park.

Although it is not known exactly when the operation will happen, it is likely to be in June or July.

A similar operation was carried out back on September 16, 2020.

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The unusual sight brought scores of spectators to the scene.

Pictures from the scene showed the scale of the operation, with cranes and heavy duty trucks required to remove the transformer from the vessel.

A 128-tonne machine was safely landed onto Black Rock Sands.

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Whilst the load was moved by road, rolling roadblocks were in place and motorists were warned to expect some disruption.

It was hoped delivery by sea would help “mitigate disruption” through Porthmadog Harbour.

After being unloaded, the transformer was stored on the beach for several days before being driven to Trawsfynydd Substation.

Malcolm Humphreys’ harbour master’s report for Cyngor Gwynedd’s Porthmadog Harbour Consultative Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 2, stated: “The service has received notification of a shipment of a large transformer for delivery to Trawsfynydd power station in a similar manner to the shipment that occurred on the September 16, 2020.

“The vessel undertaking the shipment is expected to undertake a beach landing at Morfa Bychan, in late June or early July 2023, when tidal conditions are optimal.

“The transformer will then be taken by road to the power station.”

A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson also confirmed: “An electricity transformer which is being transported to the Trawsfynydd sub-station will be delivered by sea to Porthmadog as part of the initial journey.

“The ship ‘Terra Marique’ which is transporting the transformer, will be anchored on the beach at Morfa Bychan, where a large transport vehicle will be offloaded from the ship and will convey the transformer by road to Trawsfynydd.

“The exact date for the delivery is yet to be confirmed but is likely to be during June or July 2023.”

Last year’s delivery was the first beach landing for the National Grid Group.

It has not yet been confirmed if the National Grid is carrying out the latest operation.

A spokesperson for the organisation said any details would not be available until early next week.