VAHLE Develops Mobile Shore Power Solution for HADAG Ferries in Hamburg Port
Hamburg, April 13, 2026 – Paul Vahle GmbH & Co. KG has developed an innovative mobile shore power solution for the HADAG Seetouristik und Fährdienst AG ferries operating in Hamburg Port. This system is designed to provide emission-free power to vessels while they are docked, aiming to significantly reduce both emissions and noise pollution within the port.
The system provider, specializing in mobile industrial applications, engineered this infrastructure specifically for the floating ferry terminals of the Elbe. Its design accounts for the constant movement caused by tides and currents, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.
“The shore power solution will replace onboard generators during port layovers, thereby substantially lowering emissions and noise during port operations,” stated Olaf Biesterfeldt, Sales Representative for Northern Germany at VAHLE.
HADAG Fleet to Benefit from New Technology
The HADAG fleet, comprising 27 vessels, connects key public transport hubs such as the Landungsbrücken, Blankenese, and the Elbphilharmonie. In the future, these ferries will be able to operate without their diesel generators running while docked. This new infrastructure is a crucial component of Hamburg Port’s ongoing expansion of land-side energy supply and aligns with the port’s long-term climate strategy.
Addressing Unique Technical Challenges
The technical implementation presented unique challenges due to the floating nature of the berths. The constant shifts in position caused by tides and currents mean that both the connection height and the distance between the ship and the infrastructure vary. “We therefore developed a mobile energy supply system that flexibly brings the connection to the respective ferry while ensuring secure power transmission,” Biesterfeldt explained.
The technological foundation of this system is VAHLE’s proven “Stinger System.” This technology routes the current rail overhead, keeping it clear of the working area. This design prevents tripping hazards, accidental contact with live electrical components, and collisions. Originally developed for maintenance areas of S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, the technology has been adapted for maritime use, transitioning to a high-performance three-phase current supply.
“Three-phase current systems can transmit significantly higher power than single-phase systems. This is ideal for the demands of modern ships,” Biesterfeldt elaborated.
System Specifications and Future Prospects
The developed system spans approximately 30 meters along the pontoon. A movable trolley precisely positions the power connection for each ferry, compensating for movements between the ship and the berth. The main current rail can transmit up to 860 amperes at 400 volts, which will also enable the charging of fully electric ferries in the future. In addition to power supply, the solution integrates control and data transmission systems to ensure reliable operation.
A key focus during development was practical handling in daily ferry operations. To ease the burden on ferry personnel, VAHLE integrated industrial balancers into the mobile system. These balancers support the weight of the connection components, allowing ferry captains to connect to the power supply with minimal effort. Sergej Nickel, Head of Project Engineering at VAHLE, commented, “The system must prove its worth in everyday use. The crews should not have to drag heavy cables.”
For the implementation, VAHLE collaborated closely with the general contractor Actemium Cegelec Mitte GmbH. VAHLE was responsible for developing and supplying the mobile infrastructure for energy, control, and data transmission, while Actemium handled the overall electrical integration and connection to the land-side power supply. “The cooperation was clearly structured and collaborative,” said Nickel.
Currently, four berths in Hamburg Port are equipped with the new shore power technology. This infrastructure is set to gain further importance, as HADAG plans to deploy fully electric ferries starting in 2027, with their batteries to be charged during layovers.
Shore power systems are considered a central infrastructure measure for the decarbonization of port traffic. With the increasing development of Green Ports, VAHLE views this project as a benchmark for similar applications in international ports.
Source: kamen-web.de
