- Rotra Vente docks at Hull, close to Siemens Gamesa’s offshore wind turbine plant.
The huge wind turbine towers at Siemens Gamesa’s factory in Hull are now a familiar feature on the city’s skyline, reports Hull daily Mail.
The Rotra Vente docks at Hull twice a week, close to the offshore wind turbine plant where blades and other pieces are manufactured before being sent out to wind farms being built in the North Sea. The specialized ship’s bow is hoisted into the air once berthed, allowing components for the turbines to be unloaded. Passing vehicles on Hedon Road can catch a glimpse of the beautiful spectacle, but the public footpath that runs around the perimeter of the manufacturing site and all the way to neighboring King George Dock provides a greater view.
Built-on-roll vessels
The purpose-built roll-on roll-off vessel is operated by Siemens Gamesa and typically plies her trade between Hull, Cuxhaven and another one of the company’s offshore wind turbine installation sites at the Danish port of Ebsjerg along with a sister ship Rotra Mare. Measuring 141 meters in length, it has also been designed to carry up to four sets of blades or nine wind towers sections if required.
The savings
The company says transporting most of its key offshore wind turbine components by sea rather than road is another example of its commitment to reducing costs.
It added: “We expect savings of 15 to 20 percent in logistics costs compared to previous transport procedures. This is another important contributor to reducing the cost of electricity from offshore wind.”
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Source: Hull Daily Mail
