Siemens to build a shore power supply system for ships in Cuxhaven

Siemens has received an order from the regional grid operator EWE Netz GmbH to supply the key components of a Siharbor shore power supply system in Cuxhaven. The order includes the complete transformer station as well as the cable feed system for ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) ships. The plant owner will be the northern German Gesellschaft für Hafeninfrastruktur Niedersachsen Ports (NPorts). With a power output of 630 kilowatts (kW), the plant 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. The berth is located next to the new factory for wind turbines operated by Siemens Gamesa, which 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.

The Cuxhaven shore power plant is designed for so-called ro-ro ships. Ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) ships transport moving goods using the ro-ro process, which means that the cargo is driven onto the ship. The plant consists of a transformer station and a cable feed system with a mobile transfer device to the ship. The 20 kV/50 Hz voltage supplied from the public grid is converted to the necessary 440 V/60 Hz voltage in the transformer station. Siemens will use a low-voltage converter with a power output of 630 kW for the first time in a shore power connection. The inverter, combined with the control software, adapts the frequency of the local distribution grid to that of the ship electrical system. For frequency conversion, 50 Hertz three-phase current is always converted to 60 Hertz. The scope of supply also includes two transformers. A converter transformer is used to connect the system to the supply grid. The transformer on board the ship ensures electrical isolation between the ship and shore grids. The order also includes the installation of an 8DJH medium-voltage switchgear as well as the Sivacon S8 low-voltage main distribution system.

One of the main causes of local air pollution in ports is the combustion of ship fuels for generating electricity during the lay time. Reducing harmful emissions due to shipping is a major concern in port cities around the world. The construction of the shore power plant establishes important conditions for significantly reducing the emission of air pollutants, such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides and fine dust as well as carbon dioxide. The system will also greatly lower noise emissions, and both local residents as well as the ship's crew will benefit from the new shore power plant.

Source: siemens.com