Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf has taken a significant step forward in its mission to provide eco-friendly maritime solutions by upgrading its shore power system. Partnering with Elma Systems, the Amsterdam-based shipyard now offers clean, 60Hz-compatible on-shore power for an even broader range of vessels, marking a major milestone in sustainable ship repair and maintenance.
For years, the yard has provided low-emission shore power, aligning with Damen Shipyards Group’s overarching sustainability goals. However, the previous system was limited to 50Hz power, creating challenges for accommodating offshore, navy, and fishing vessels that typically operate on 60Hz. This gap often necessitated the use of diesel generators—an option at odds with the yard’s environmental objectives.
Jeen van der Werf, Commercial Manager at Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf, highlighted the pressing need for this upgrade. “We’re committed to advancing maritime sustainability. While 50Hz shore power met many needs, the frequent requirement for diesel generators was a compromise we wanted to eliminate,” he stated.
The opportunity for change came with a 35% temporary subsidy for shore power installations, offered by the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO). Leveraging this incentive, Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf partnered with Elma Systems to develop a bespoke solution. The result? A state-of-the-art rotary converter capable of delivering 60Hz power up to 250kVA with an option for load sharing via additional battery or secondary sources.
The new system not only enhances the yard’s environmental footprint by reducing carbon emissions but also delivers a financial edge. With the elimination of costly generator rentals, Damen can now offer more competitive pricing to clients, solidifying its market position.
Marco Roman of Elma Systems praised the collaborative effort, saying, “This partnership reflects the potential of tailored engineering to address real-world challenges in maritime operations. Together, we’ve created a cleaner, smarter solution that benefits both Damen and the industry.”
With this advancement, Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf reinforces its role as a leader in sustainable maritime solutions, setting a benchmark for the industry to follow.
