First Transport of Wind Turbine Components Using Innovative Push Barge

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 E-138 EP3 and E-115 EP3 wind turbines 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 considerable 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, up to two rotor blades of the latest ENERCON type E-175 EP5, each with a blade length of 86 metres can be loaded. “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. “Tailor-made 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.”