Mobile power socket supplies container ships at the Port of Hamburg with shore power quickly and flexibly

What was needed: A flexible power supply on the harbour quay that powered the ships regardless of their docking point.

Requirements: Flexible energy supply, safe, fast and compact movement of the heavy cables on the quay

Industry: Shore power supply

Success for the customer: The iMSPO enables precise movement of the shore power connection to the ship's docking point. Safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness at the port are increased.

A deep-sea vessel has the power consumption of a small town. When in port, this demand is generated by diesel generators on board, with the result that ports are among the top causes of greenhouse gas emissions. The Port of Hamburg is also looking at how to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions at its terminals.

With shore power, where the ship is supplied with electricity via a connection at the quay, this changes. Container ships equipped for shore power supply have a cable drum on board that allows two cables to be connected to the quay. But what happens if the position of the cable drum on the ship and that of the connection on the quay do not match?

The Port of Hamburg was also confronted with this problem. Finding a suitable location for a fixed shore power socket is almost impossible. Ships of various sizes and configurations dock at the berths with high frequency, and are flexibly scheduled daily for efficient loading and unloading. Stationary shore power connections at the quay restrict the connection area and the extension length is limited.

At the same time, moving the large cables along the quay is cumbersome and inefficient; the cables can wear out quickly due to being dragged across the ground or become tripping hazards when lying on the ground.

For the implementation of the shore power supply, a flexible system had to be found that also fulfils the requirements of IEC/IEEE 80005-1, Annex D. Annex D defines the mechanical and electrical specifications, safety protocols and testing procedures for high-voltage shore power systems in container terminals.

The igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO) is the first mobile "socket" that allows ships to be connected anywhere along the quay over a length of up to 400m. The Container Terminal Hamburg (CTH) uses three of these systems, which move along the quay on travels of 300, 150 and 110m in length.

The modular, configurable systems are frequently used in container, cruise, Ro-Ro and omni-terminals. At the CTH, an iMSPO is used on a custom-built steel structure that makes the free space above the terminal usable. The system was developed especially for limited space above the flood wall and where free access is required for the emergency exit on the quay. The elevated position for the power supply and the moving parts of the trolley with the socket box (socket-box trolley) always ensures sufficient distance from the floor and the personnel working there. In addition, the design does not require fenders and ensures smooth operation above critical areas of the terminal.

Rail elements are installed in the steel structure of the iMSPO, in which the mobile trolley with the socket box is installed. A rol e-chain designed for long travels and heavy loads moves within the rail system and ensures the safe and reliable guidance of the power or motor cables along the quay, such as the chainflex CFCRANE motor cables. An E4.56 type energy chain also enables cable guidance on the last piece to the panel, while chainfix strain relief has been attached to the cables for a longer service life. Optional sensors can also monitor the condition of chains and cables.

As soon as a ship has moored at the CTH, the iMSPO is moved to the mounting point. The protective cover of the socket box swings open, the ship cables are connected, the protective cover is closed and locked for safe operation. All processes can be operated via a single control unit. The iMSPO has also been tested in accordance with IEC/IEEE 80005-1, a safety standard for high-voltage shore connection systems.

A ship can be connected to shore power in less than 15 minutes, while never more than two people are required on the shore side. All in all, the Port of Hamburg gains full flexibility while reducing operating, installation and maintenance costs.