European ports gear up for wind as European governments fund infrastructure

Port Strategy spoke to a representative at Siemens who confirmed the news this week.

It’s a strategic move for Siemens Wind Power because the company is already shipping out three projects from Esbjerg; 175 of 3,6 MW turbines for London Array, which will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world when all turbines have been commissioned, 88 WTGs for Sherringham Shoal offshore windfarm and 75 units for Lincs offshore windfarm.

So it makes sense that Siemens is investing in a “superoptimisation” of load out facilities and preparation areas for the wind turbine components at Esbjerg. These structures and buildings will be temporary installations – this is a concept Siemens already uses for other ports.

The company says that with the upcoming deliveries of projects into the UK and Germany, it will require around 1km of quay side for load out of various vessels. Each project will have its dedicated quay side with preparations for each specific load outs.

Michael Hannibal, CEO Offshore EMEA in Siemens Wind Power, said to Port Strategy: “In the medium-term, Siemens will be shipping the wind turbines for its German North Sea offshore wind power projects from Esbjerg. In the long-term, the Port of Esbjerg will continue to serve as a logistic hub for our nacelle plant in Brande, Denmark.”

He added: “Siemens has a very dynamic cooperation with Port of Esbjerg and both parties are very flexible in order to make this work.”

The new offshore wind facility is reportedly due for completion in 2014 – East Port terminal is being financed by local municipality over 25 years.

For article source please see link below:

Port Strategy – News Article