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Steel tower sections loaded onto “Rhenus Berlin I” in Emden / Journey via inland waterways to project region
ENERCON and logistics partner Rhenus are using the new, innovative push barge “Rhenus Berlin I” for the first time to transport wind turbine components via inland waterways. Last weekend, steel tower sections for ENERCON wind turbines of types E-138 EP3 and E-115 EP3 were loaded onto the 100-metre-long vessel at the Port of Emden. The “Rhenus Berlin I” transported the components by water to the project region. The destination was the Port of Haren/Emsland (Lower Saxony), from where the components will continue by road to the wind farm construction site in Emlichheim.
“We wouldn’t have been able to deliver the tower sections to the destination region by road without significant effort,” says Alexander Hänsel, Chartering Manager at ENERCON Logistics. “We’re therefore glad we could rely on the ‘Rhenus Berlin I’ – even though the barge was originally designed for other purposes.” The new special equipment for ENERCON’s project logistics is primarily intended for transporting long rotor blades: with a usable length of 92 metres, it can carry up to two rotor blades of the latest ENERCON type E-175 EP5, each up to 86 metres long. “However, we will also use the vessel flexibly for transporting other components when needed, as we are doing now on its maiden voyage,” says Hänsel.
The inland vessel, custom-built to ENERCON’s specifications, consists of a push boat and a barge made up of three segments. The propulsion unit is external: the coupled push boat provides the necessary flexibility and allows transport even through narrow lock chambers. The “Rhenus Berlin I” will mainly operate in the North German canal network and offers ENERCON a flexible alternative when road transport of components is not feasible due to construction sites or other obstacles.
“The new ‘Rhenus Berlin I’ is another important addition to our portfolio of logistics solutions, helping us ensure the timely delivery of components to our customers’ wind farm construction sites,” says Hendrik Peterburs, Vice President of ENERCON Global Logistics. “Tailored transport concepts, state-of-the-art equipment, extensive in-house expertise, and proven logistics partners are key to organising transport chains that are optimally adapted to the specific project conditions – including multimodal solutions involving ships, trucks, inland vessels, and other special equipment when necessary.”
“With the first voyage of the ‘Rhenus Berlin I’, we are demonstrating how efficient and sustainable inland waterways can be as a transport route for complex project logistics. Especially for oversized components like rotor blades, they offer a reliable alternative to road transport – with fewer traffic jams, lower emissions, and greater planning reliability. The successful implementation of this concept is clear proof of the high performance of inland waterways for heavy and project logistics,” adds David Schütz, Senior Project Manager at Deutsche Binnenreederei, part of the Rhenus Group.
As a provider of integrated solutions for the connected Green Energy Ecosystem, ENERCON supports its customers in the realization of onshore wind energy projects. To fully unlock project potential, the company combines its high-performance, high-yield wind turbines with complementary solution components and services, enhancing customer benefits and the overall value of wind energy. The range of the solution portfolio, from which customers can select modules according to their requirements, extends from planning and installation to management and control, service and maintenance, and optimisation of system performance during the operational phase.
As a pioneer in renewable energy with over 40 years of experience and a deep understanding of the demands of a changing energy system, ENERCON’s scope has always extended beyond mere wind turbines. With the mission ‘Energy for the World’, the company has been committed to sustainable energy generation from onshore wind since 1984. Thanks to its innovative turbine technology, high quality standards, and an installed total capacity of more than 65 gigawatts, ENERCON is among the world’s leading renewable energy companies.
With extensive expertise in the area of ‘holistic project development’, ‘connected operation’, and ‘smart optimisation’, a dense service network, and a broad network of partners and service providers, ENERCON is a competent and reliable partner for its customers in all project phases. Headquartered in Aurich, Lower Saxony, the company employs around 13,000 people at administrative, sales, production, and service locations worldwide.
ENERCON and logistics partner Rhenus are using the new, innovative push barge “Rhenus Berlin I” for the first time to transport wind turbine components via inland waterways. Last weekend, steel tower sections for ENERCON wind turbines of types E-138 EP3 and E-115 EP3 were loaded onto the 100-metre-long vessel at the Port of Emden.
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