This is first time PD Ports has handled a vessel of this size at the Port of Hartlepool. 

The MPI Adventure arrived at the Port in late December to commence work on the Teesside Offshore Windfarm Project, for which the Port of Hartlepool has been appointed as the main construction logistics hub.

Described as the ‘next generation’ of wind turbine installation vessels, the arrival of the MPI Adventure adds further credibility to PD Ports’ ability to handle industry class vessels at Hartlepool, required for the size and scale of offshore wind projects.

The Teesside Offshore Windfarm Project, being developed by EDF Energy Renewables, requires the MPI Adventure to transport the 27 turbines, in particular the towers, Nacelles and blades, out to sea, some 1.5km off the shore of Redcar.  This is expected to complete in early spring.

Over 100 people are involved in the offshore construction programme, operating out of the project supply base established at Hartlepool.

Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports’ managing director, bulks, ports and logistics, said: “The arrival of the MPI Adventure highlights our capability to handle large, industry class offshore vessels at the Port of Hartlepool whilst further demonstrating our continued progression and growing strength in this sector.”

Peter Robinson, MD, MPI Offshore Ltd, said: “MPI is delighted to be involved with this challenging project and look forward to completing the installation of 27 wind turbines in a safe and timely manner.

“MPI is a locally based ship and construction management organisation seen as premier installer of offshore windfarms.  We are proud to be part of the PD Ports and EDF Renewable Energy teams in bringing this offshore renewable energy facility to Teesside.”

Tim Bland, EDF Project Manager, said “EDF are very pleased to welcome the MPI Adventure to the project. The vessel is much more weather tolerant than the vessel previously engaged for this work and we believe this offers the best opportunity to complete the build of the offshore Wind Turbines over the Winter period.”

Last year more than 6.3 million tons of cargo (an increase of 0.3%) were turned round for the first time. That was an increase – if only a small one – over handling posted in 2011. In the passenger sector more than 1.9 million travellers either boarded or disembarked from a ferry or cruise ship last year. That was an increase of 2.2% over the previous year.

The Managing Director of the Port of Kiel (SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co KG), Dr Dirk Claus said “after two years of very strong growth, 2012 has reflected the general current market development situation”. A major contribution to the high handling performance was made by locally-based ferry companies, which acounted for nearly 80% of total handling. The biggest growth rate in cargo transport was posted by DFDS Seaways on the Kiel-Klaipeda route while Stena Line and Color Line both increased their totals in passenger transport to and from Scandinavia. At the same time, Kiel concluded a long-term agreement with Color Line in 2012 which gives both sides a high level of future planning security.

These projects follow several orders for similar systems throughout California.

“These orders are the latest in a collaboration with local partners and POLA that spans many years, and underlines Cavotec’s role as an established supplier of shore power equipment in the US and globally,” says Rob Thompson, West Coast Manager Cavotec USA Inc.

Cavotec will supply a large number of “Easy Lift” Access Covers and Shore Power Outlet Connection boxes for four separate container terminals at the Port. These orders include equipment for POLA berths 228, 401-406, 100-102, 121-128 and 212-216.

Cavotec’s innovative “Easy Lift” Access Covers are safer for personnel to operate than many existing alternatives. An example of the cross-implementation of technology between Cavotec Market Units, these systems were first developed for use at airports and other aviation related applications. The units avoid operator stress and injury by reducing lift weights to a minimum. They are built into the quayside to enable vessels to connect to grid-generated electrical power quickly and easily.

“These, and other shore power projects on which we are currently working, are a reminder of the growing trend, especially in the US and Europe, towards tighter legislation regulating emissions at ports. We continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that ports meet their environmental targets,” Thompson adds.

Cavotec AMP systems enable vessels to switch off their engines while docked and to connect to shore side electricity. Services such as power supply for reefer containers, lighting, heating, food preparation and cargo handling are then run directly from the port.

Switching off ships’ engines and connecting to grid-generated electricity reduces fuel consumption and dramatically cuts particulate matter emissions, thus helping improve air quality in ports and surrounding communities.

Cavotec engineers and naval architects have pioneered several AMP solutions including ship-based systems housed in shipping containers, land-based vault versions and mobile units. The Group’s shore power systems are increasingly widely used at ports on the US west coast, as well as in Canada, Europe and the Far East. The first AMP system became operational in Sweden in 1984.

In the Australia, 16 YSX40E all-electric yard spreaders are headed to the Brisbane terminals of Dubai Ports World.

In the Middle East, a total of 14 YSX40E all-electric yard spreaders have been ordered for delivery to the Port of Beirut in Lebanon.

Finally, in Europe 4 YSX45E yard spreaders have been ordered for the Port of Valencia in Spain.

These new green spreader orders come on the heels of many other large all-electric orders during 2012, especially for automated terminals. Most recently, Bromma has won an order from Long Beach Container Terminal LLC in the United States for 50 ship-to-shore and yard all-electric spreaders.

In addition to energy savings and emission reductions all-electrics produce dramatic operational cost savings as well. All-electrics have fewer service points, and require no fluids or hoses. They eliminate the risk of groundwater contamination while reducing maintenance and operational costs.