in <strong>the</strong> cArgo MOViNG WiNdMiLLS: A TRiCKy BUSiNESS WorldWide deMAnd <strong>for</strong> windmills is rising rapidly as countries take up power generation from renewable energy. These hi-tech, modern day equivalents of one of <strong>the</strong> world’s oldest technologies are making a significant contribution in <strong>the</strong> battle against climate change. Top ten business supplier, Nordex of Germany, has <strong>for</strong>med a new partnership with <strong>Wallenius</strong> <strong>Wilhelmsen</strong> <strong>Logistics</strong>, toge<strong>the</strong>r with Dako Worldwide Transport, Dusseldorf, and UTC Overseas of Atlanta, to ship 25 such wind energy systems from Bremerhaven in Germany to Baltimore on <strong>the</strong> eastern seaboard of <strong>the</strong> US. “The world market <strong>for</strong> wind turbines has grown by 34% in <strong>the</strong> past three years; but we have grown by 54% in this period,” explains Sandra Jaekel of Nordex. “Europe is still <strong>the</strong> biggest market but <strong>the</strong> Americas, particularly <strong>the</strong> US and Canada, will see a rapid increase over <strong>the</strong> next five years. The o<strong>the</strong>r big area of growth is Asia, especially China and India.” The WWL service to Baltimore offers Nordex a route to enter <strong>the</strong> US market as part of its three-continent growth strategy. The 25 turbines, broken down into <strong>the</strong>ir major components, are all scheduled to be shipped by <strong>the</strong> end of this year. And it is not just <strong>the</strong> tight time scale that presents a shipping challenge, according to Abu Nasser, Manager Sales & Marketing, WWL Europe. “Quite apart from <strong>the</strong> 44-metre long blades, which we have to handle separately, each wind energy system consists of a number of different large components which have to be loaded and <strong>the</strong>n stowed and lashed under <strong>the</strong> deck. “The project is very focused on <strong>the</strong> optimum stowage of <strong>the</strong> components on <strong>the</strong> roll trailer. For instance, <strong>the</strong> drive-train is 5.95 metres long and weighs 45.5 tonnes. In order to save time and cost, <strong>the</strong> customer asked if we could ship two pieces on each trailer. 6 VENTURE 3 2008 “So now we have a 90-tonne loaded trailer which we need to lift and <strong>the</strong>n roll onto <strong>the</strong> vessel. Obviously <strong>the</strong> operations team had to check this was achievable be<strong>for</strong>e we could give a definite okay. “The blades <strong>the</strong>mselves are not only very long but also very delicate, so <strong>the</strong>y have to be fitted in a transport frame which is specific to <strong>the</strong> cargo. And <strong>the</strong>y have to be lifted with two cranes which needs a great deal of skill and concentration from <strong>the</strong> operations team. This is where our competence and experience with over-sized cargo is put to <strong>the</strong> test.” WWl hAs Worked closely on overcoming <strong>the</strong>se challenges with Dako Worldwide Transport and UTC USA. Added value services at <strong>the</strong> dockside have been provided by stevedores, Atlantik Hafenbetriebe. “Because of road transport height restrictions, Nordex delivered <strong>the</strong> nacelles and cooling hoods from Rostock separately,” explains Nasser. “Working with Nordex personnel and in close cooperation with Atlantik, <strong>the</strong>se hoods were mounted at <strong>the</strong> dockside after <strong>the</strong> cargo was stowed on <strong>the</strong> roll trailer.” Given such a complex operation, it was not surprising that Nasser, plus <strong>the</strong> WWL port manager Volker Freese and teams from both Nordex and Dako Worldwide, were all at Bremerhaven to see <strong>the</strong> first shipment being successfully loaded in a very professional and smooth operation. “The whole process provided by WWL <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> first shipment was very convincing,” comments Jaekel. “We were happy with <strong>the</strong> quick and safe handling of our components and we can easily imagine fur<strong>the</strong>r cooperation.” With world energy prices still close to record highs, it seems more and more consumers should get used to <strong>the</strong> idea that renewable energy, and especially windmills, are <strong>the</strong> future. rupert sAunders photo: hAns sCherhAufer
A 90-tonne loaded trailer is lifted and <strong>the</strong>n rolled on to <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r deck of <strong>the</strong> vessel when moving <strong>the</strong> 44-metre-long blades of <strong>the</strong> windmills. VENTURE 3 2008 7
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