In a move poised to solidify Cuxhaven’s role as a major offshore wind hub, DEME has clinched a contract for the construction of a cutting-edge offshore wind terminal at the Port of Cuxhaven, Germany. This ambitious project, overseen by Niedersachsen Ports (NPorts), will feature 1,250 meters of heavy-load quay wall, up to seven berths, and a sprawling 38-hectare storage area, purpose-built to accommodate the massive components used in offshore wind farms.
The terminal’s design is a testament to Germany’s commitment to renewable energy and the North Sea’s pivotal role in this green transition. Leveraging their extensive expertise, DEME will partner with renowned German civil marine construction firms Depenbrock and TAGU to execute the project. Together, the consortium will tackle the complex dredging and land reclamation works required to reclaim over 3 million cubic meters of material. This massive effort will involve an impressive fleet, including trailing suction hopper dredgers, a backhoe dredger, and supporting barges.
“This terminal demands an innovative technical approach,” noted Lutz Dröge, DEME’s Area Manager for Germany. He highlighted the engineering challenges posed by the project’s location in a dynamic estuarine environment, emphasizing the specialized geotechnical solutions needed for the heavy-load terminal. The installation of combi-walls—structural systems combining sheet piling and bored piles—will play a critical role in stabilizing the quay wall under demanding conditions.
This isn’t DEME’s first foray into Cuxhaven. The Belgian dredging and marine engineering company, along with its partners, previously delivered key infrastructure projects in the area, including Berths 8 and 4, completed in 2009 and 2018, respectively. The firm also used the port as a base during the construction of the Borkum Riffgrund 2 offshore wind farm, underscoring its deep ties to the region. Beyond Cuxhaven, DEME’s work in Germany includes high-profile projects like the Elbe River deepening and the widening of the Kiel Canal, further cementing its reputation as a leader in maritime construction.
Scheduled to kick off in early 2025, the terminal project will span approximately 3.5 years. Once operational, the facility will play a central role in advancing Germany’s renewable energy targets by providing the infrastructure needed to handle the next generation of offshore wind projects. As Europe pushes to expand its renewable energy capacity, the Port of Cuxhaven will undoubtedly serve as a vital nexus for offshore wind operations in the North Sea.
