BLG and EUROGATE have pooled their expertise in Bremerhaven and are collaborating on projects for wind power components used in onshore and offshore projects – now under the brand name Eco Power Port. At the same time, BLG is further expanding its established transshipment business for onshore wind turbines at Neustädter Hafen.
BLG and EUROGATE now plan to revive this business at the container terminal – and in the future also at “Roter Sand” southern port – with an all-new approach. “Due to the increase in demand for port capacities, we decided to bundle our expertise,” confirms Nina Distler, who as Director of Projects and Wind Energy at EUROGATE has concentrated exclusively on this segment since 2023. “That allows us to expand our services and better fulfil our customers’ needs,” adds Johann Steffens, Customer Solutions Manager for Project Business at BLG AutoTerminal Bremerhaven.
Under the Eco Power Port sales brand, the team now markets its shared expertise, space, equipment like self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) and mobile harbour cranes, and qualified staff for projects in the onshore and offshore wind industry. “With its specialised port facilities, large port spaces, short distances to shipyards for the repair of offshore vessels, and the strong industrial infrastructure, Bremerhaven offers optimal conditions,” emphasises Distler. The idea is to expand this key location for offshore wind power over the long term.
“Together we can provide a wide variety of spaces,” says Steffens. “We at BLG can offer protected spaces behind the lock, while EUROGATE can offer spaces right on the Weser.” In addition, the two companies can operate as an import and export hub for onshore wind turbines and as a base port for installing offshore wind farms.
But as a service port for large components, they also plan to support their customers with transport, transshipment and storage solutions. And then there are value-added services like equipment and the pre-assembly of components. The objective is “one face to the customer”. The customer always has access to the Eco Power Port brand’s full range of services and options.
“All that is now extremely demanding for any port,” emphasises Steffens. “Our terminal was built for container gantry cranes, not to handle heavy-duty equipment. And there are technical solutions that distribute the weight, so that the structure can handle it,” adds Distler. A feasibility study with 2,200-tonne monopiles, for which SPMTs would be used, has already been completed.
Neustädter Hafen complements Eco Power Port
Neustädter Hafen has already been established in the wind industry for more than ten years. “We’re operating at high capacity, thanks to the energy transition boom,” says Sales Director Sven Riekers. “Wind power is virtually forcing its way into the ports and requires capacities.”
From its location at Neustädter Hafen, BLG LOGISTICS always monitors the onshore wind power industry, including the Enercom facilities. “Due to our location far inland and the resulting short transport routes, we offer the ideal solution for onshore projects, in particular,” says Riekers. In addition, much has been done in Bremen to simplify oversized and heavy goods transport – for example, in terms of approval procedures, escorting and structural road access to the port.
“Wind power occupies most of the outdoor installation areas and is a big part of our high-capacity utilisation.” However, it is not just about transshipping systems themselves but also components for the electricity grids in Germany and for export. “While project cargo was once driven by oil and gas with their facilities for energy generation and pipeline systems, it’s now LNG, hydrogen and CO2, which are also transported by pipeline,” says Riekers. And then there is CO2-neutral systems and equipment for feeding green energy into the networks.
BLG LOGISTICS has invested several million euros to maintain its growth as a wind power port. This includes the LHM 550 mobile harbour crane, which will be able to lift up to 144 tonnes. Available from the end of 2025, the new crane will join the ranks of another identical crane and a smaller model. Also new is another translifter tractor unit with hydraulic trailer, which can be used to move parts that are otherwise immobile around the port site.
“Eco Power Port and we complement each other well. Together we can expand the opportunities available with wind power at Bremen ports,” emphasises Riekers. “Joint projects are also an option.” (cb)
Rotor blades measuring more than 80 metres in length are transshipped at Neustädter Hafen.
