Solar panels power sustainable berths

The panels in the Elbe River provide power to quick-release mooring hook units with integrated capstans for the Port of Hamburg. These solar-powered mooring dolphins with battery packs have been built by Netherlands-based Straatman BV.

No underwater cables are used, saving time, money and costly repairs. The lead time for the construction of dolphins and berths is reduced and maintenance costs are low.

“Using solar energy reduces energy costs and fits within a vision of sustainability,” said Straatman BV.

Hamburg’s port authority, which completed the berthing areas in Q4 2019, also cited reliability as an important factor in their choice, said Straatman BV.

How it works

In addition to the capstans, the ‘solar systems’ provide power to working lights in order to guarantee safe berthing. The dolphins are equipped with triple and quadruple 125 and 150 ton quick release hooks, also supplied by Straatman BV.

Using LoRa technology, essential system details are shared, including available power, energy consumption, battery quality and a log of the capstan use. This allows the Port of Hamburg to monitor the status of the mooring systems in a web app and plan just-in-time preventative maintenance.

Following the Port of Rotterdam, the Port of Hamburg is the second major port to opt for this sustainable solution.