First European onshore power supply for cruise ships

The first European onshore power supply system of this type has a capacity of 12 MVA and works with a patented, mobile robot arm designed specifically for the tidal range. The heart of the system is a frequency converter with control software that adjusts the frequency of the local distribution grid to the ship's electrical system. The scope of supply for Siemens includes the medium- and low-voltage switchgears, the transformers, the fire safety system and the building's air conditioning and ventilation system. Commissioning is scheduled for the spring of 2015. The order volume will run to about EUR 8.5 million.

The system has a specially developed cable management system for cruise ships, which provides a fast, easy and flexible connection between shore and ship. The system is self-propelled and can be automatically operated from the ship as needed, so that no additional specialists are needed on shore. A concrete channel along the quay wall guides a high tide-resistant cable chain for system mobility and is designed with a length of 300m for this project. A robot arm is used to transport the power cable connectors and the communication link into the ship through the outer hatch. Developed jointly between Siemens and Stemmann Technik in Schüttorf, Germany, this technology also compensates for the tidal range during power supply. Power is transferred to the ship without slip rings, making it immune to dysfunction. The concrete channel's steel plate cover can easily support the required axle loads, so that telescoping cranes, trucks and buses can drive over the quay operating area with no restrictions during the lay days. The cable management system is stored in a high tide-protected garage when not in operation, thus meeting the Hanseatic City of Hamburg's requirement for granting visitors public access to wharfage.