AbstractSpecial goods can be difficult to handle due to fragility, weight or size and therefore require special treatment when transported. Windmills are examples of special goods with challenges both with respect to high weight and large size. At least in Europe, the focus on green energy entails rapid development of windmill projects where components needing special handling is transported over great distances. This paper studies the transport of windmills from Continental Europe to Norway where challenges are related to the long-transport distance, low road standard and rough climate. Different transport strategies are presented and discussed in relation to a theoretical model aiming to minimize the generalized transport costs. It is argued that unimodal transport by truck is not practically possible due to many insuperable barriers. Therefore, two types of intermodal transport are suggested of which the benefits of reduced handling at terminals are weighted against lower capacity utilization at the water based long-haul distance. Despite being part of a political strategy aimed at developing green energy, the companies transporting windmills are rarely imposed any environmental requirements by the shipper.