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Ports play a central role in the value chain of offshore wind energy. For the construction of offshore wind farms, ports are required to function as hubs for each component which passes by. Far more happens in ports than just loading components from trucks, inland navigation vessels or trains onto special ocean-going tugboats. Many components of the plants are produced, temporarily stored or partially assembled at the port.Furthermore, offshore ports are bases for ships which are necessary for transport and assembly of plants at sea. They are also a point of departure for maintenance and repair works.

The interactive sea map provides information about the current uses of German offshore ports.

map key

ports:	borders:
offshore-ports	EEZ
	12-nm-Zone

Large-scale wind farm components present a logistical challenge. If tower segments or rotor blades have to be transported, motorway bridges become obstacles; with a general clearance of 4.5 meters they are impassable for rotor blades with a 6 meter width. Not even inland navigation offers alternatives for this logistical challenge. That is why production of the components in the direct vicinity of the port is often the only solution. This local advantage is also used by companies which carry out maintenance and repair work on OWPP. Based on the approved OWPPs and an operating time of 20 years, one fact becomes clear: offshore wind energy plays a central role in the future development of coastal regions. It offers enormous opportunities for economic growth and future employment.

Important prerequisites for offshore ports are large manoeuvring and storage areas, e.g. for 60 meters long rotor blades. The load capacity of the docks shall be designed for the heavy load corresponding to wind park components. For example, a nacelle of an OWPP can weigh up to 280 tonnes – as much as 200 cars. Ports which are not dependent on the tide are particularly suited for the constant arrival and departure of transport, installation and supply boats.

Installation and operating of offshore wind farms brings a new dynamic into the port industry and stimulates the economic development of the port sites in a sustainable way.These ports benefit from the establishment of production locations and associated businesses from the wind power sector.In addition to already created employment, many jobs will be additionally created in the coming years which, amongst others, shall be filled by qualified experts from e.g. former shipbuilding companies.An example for creation of new structures is the founding of the training centre in Emden, where experts are prepared for their offshore assignment.Thus, the use of offshore wind energy with its constant opportunity for growth represents an economic development for coastal areas which is gaining momentum for the future.

German offshore ports compete beyond their national borders. On the North Sea, they compete with ports such as Esbjerg (Denmark) and Ijmuiden (Netherlands), which are already experienced in installation of offshore wind farms and equipped with the appropriate infrastructure. There are only very limited capacities in Germany, particularly for assembly and loading of large, heavy components. For this reason, the Dutch Eemshaven had to be chosen as the construction base of the test field alpha ventus. The capacity necessary for offshore wind farms in Germany can be made available through expansion of ports. If locations continue their efforts to establish themselves as a base for service and maintenance they will benefit greatly from offshore wind farms during their 20 years of service.

Offshore wind farms offer important opportunities for structural development at port locations: companies are established, employment is created, infrastructure is expanded und education facilities develop new faculties. To benefit from the development opportunities inherent to German port sites, the appropriate German port locations shall employ every effort to create the necessary preconditions.

All information in the current dena factsheet (2010):
The port – Infrastructure for offshore wind parks.