The German Baltic seaport has commissioned Siemens to set up another onshore power supply (OPS) facility, expected to come online within the 2020 cruise ship season.

The Siharbor solution - thanks to which two ships will be able to simultaneously drain certified eco-power from the grid - will consists of one substation with four Geafol cast resin transformers (designed to withstand challenging environmental conditions, such as salt air), four air-insulated medium-voltage Nxair switchgears, and one 16 megavolt amperes (MVA) frequency converter.

The Siemens converter system Siplink will be used to ensure an uninterrupted and efficient power supply to the mooring ships. The solution features a frequency converter and a software for centrally controlling of the two berths. With the system, two medium-voltage networks with different frequencies (50 and 60 Hz) can be connected; Siplink synchronizes both and takes over the power supply automatically within a few minutes. In addition, it coordinates the energy supply of the ships' two networks so that power can be supplied to both at the same time.

The Port of Kiel and Siemens estimate that the new OPS installation will reduce CO₂ emissions by over 8,000t/year. The cold ironing facility at Kiel's Norwegenkai terminal that became operational in the spring of 2019, also supplied by Siemens, has to date made it possible to avoid emitting around 1,000 CO₂.

"By building this new shore power system we will actively support the climate objectives of the Schleswig-Holstein state capital [CO₂-neutral by 2050]," Dr. Dirk Claus, Managing Director, the Port of Kiel, underlined.

He furthered, "The shore connection system lets us draw electricity from renewable energy sources, both for cruise ships docked at the Ostseekai and for the ferry at the Schwedenkai. We thereby take on a leading role and consistently implement our Blue Port concept for a sustainable and future-oriented development of the Port of Kiel. In future 60% of the energy demand required by the ships entering Kiel will be covered by climate-friendly shore power as diesel generators will be shut down while they are berthed."

Axel Mohr, Head of Sales for Distribution Systems, Region Northat Siemens Smart Infrastructure, added, "With this set up, we are able for the first time to supply two ships simultaneously with the necessary 60-Hz onboard frequency by means of one shore power system. We're excited to support the Port of Kiel with this sustainable solution, thereby taking on a leading role in Europe together. Such systems will become increasingly important in the future, also outside of Germany, as climate protection goals are implemented."

Photo: Siemens