Damen adds shore power for all vessel types

This latest addition significantly expands the yard’s ability to provide clean, on-shore power converted to 60Hz, catering to a wide range of vessel types.

As part of Damen Shipyards Group’s mission to lead the industry in sustainable maritime solutions, the Amsterdam-based yard has been supplying low-emissions energy to vessels for years. However, the existing shore power system, limited to 50Hz, was incompatible with certain vessels, including offshore, navy, and fishing vessels, which often operate on 60Hz power.

Jeen van der Werf, commercial manager at Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf, explained the challenge. “Previously, we had to rely on diesel-powered generators to support these vessels, which was counter to our environmental goals. With the availability of a 35% temporary subsidy for shore power installations from the RVO (Dutch Enterprise Agency), we were eager to invest in a more sustainable solution.”

The yard partnered with Elma Systems to develop a tailored solution. Elma designed and installed a rotary converter capable of transforming shore power to 60Hz, enabling compatibility with the diverse range of vessels serviced by the yard. The new system, installed on the floating dock, offers a capacity of 355A (Ampere) and supports up to 250kVA. For additional power demands, the system can integrate a battery or secondary power source through a load-sharing mechanism. This innovation is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and align with Damen’s broader sustainability objectives.

The investment not only advances environmental goals but also enhances the yard’s competitive edge. By eliminating the need for hired diesel generators, Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf can offer more cost-effective solutions to clients.

Marco Roman of Elma Systems praised the collaboration, stating, “We are grateful to Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf for trusting us to develop this customised system. The cooperation throughout the project, from concept to installation, has been exemplary. This solution benefits not just Damen but the maritime industry as a whole, facilitating cleaner and smarter operations.”