New partnership to boost green energy in Germany

Meyer Group subsidiary, Neptun Werft, and Belgian company, Smulders, have agreed a deal to build offshore converter platforms at Neptun’s Warnemünde site, creating 100 new jobs. Subject to regulatory approval from the competition authorities, the new venture is expected to open for business during the first quarter of 2024.

The companies intend to establish Neptun Smulders Offshore Renewables and Neptun Smulders Engineering, which will take over design and manufacture of the platforms. To achieve Germany’s ambitious targets for offshore wind, larger converter platforms with capacity of up to 2 GW using high voltage direct current transmission technology are needed, the partners said. 

The new alliance will boost the contribution to green energy made by Germany’s north-east state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It will also create strategic production capacity and boost employment in the region.

Jan Meyer, managing director of Meyer Werft, explained: “We are combining the Meyer Group's expertise in large scale complex shipbuilding with Smulders' offshore experience in a unique way to enable the jump to the new 2-GW offshore converter platform size with high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. Together, we are creating the necessary strategic production capacities to be able to manufacture the converter platforms required for the energy transition in Germany. We will be a concrete example how the green transition creates jobs in Germany.”

Infrastructure at the Neptun Werft site is being expanded. The company has already purchased the former site of the engine manufacturer, Caterpillar, which lies adjacent to the Neptun yard. Part of the area nearby will be used by Neptun Smulders Offshore Renewables.

“We will also continue to invest in the Warnemünde site and adapt the shipyard facilities to the requirements of converter platform construction, for example the quay facilities and crane capacities,” Meyer said.

Smulders managing director, Raf Iemants, commented: “Today marks the beginning of a transformative partnership in the offshore wind sector. United by a common vision and driven by the urgent need to combat climate change, our collaboration was catalysed by the belief that together, we can make a significant impact on the future of clean energy.

“Our corporate goals align seamlessly, guided by a commitment to sustainability and innovation, and our shared mission to harness the power of the wind,” he continued. “As we embark on this journey, we are resolute in our energy transmission goals, aiming to create a robust and efficient offshore grid that will not only power homes and industries but also power the dream of a cleaner, greener tomorrow."