Siemens Power for Offshore Wind Ro-Ros in Cuxhaven

Siemens has received an order from EWE Netz GmbH to supply components of a Siharbor shore power supply system in Cuxhaven to be used by, among others, vessels transporting Siemens Gamesa’s offshore wind turbine components.

The order includes the complete transformer station, the cable feed system for ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) ships, the supply of two transformers, as well as the installation of an 8DJH medium-voltage switchgear and the Sivacon S8 low-voltage main distribution system.

The plant, to be owned by the northern German Gesellschaft für Hafeninfrastruktur Niedersachsen Ports (NPorts), will have a power output of 630kW and will supply these ships with electricity during their lay time. They will thus be able to turn off their diesel generators, significantly lowering exhaust gas and noise pollution, Siemens said.

The berth is located next to the new factory for wind turbines operated by Siemens Gamesa, who will be the plant’s main user in the future. Siemens Gamesa will ship wind turbine components to its sister factory in Hull, UK.

The Siharbor system is expected to go into operation by April 2018.

According to Siemens, one of the main causes of local air pollution in ports is the combustion of ship fuels for generating electricity during the lay time, therefore, the construction of the shore power plant establishes important conditions for significantly reducing the emission of air pollutants. The system will also greatly lower noise emissions, and both local residents and the ship’s crew will benefit from the new shore power plant, the company said.