Shore Power for HADAG Ferries: VAHLE Develops a Mobile Power Supply System in the Port of Hamburg

VAHLE has developed a mobile shore power solution for the ferries operated by HADAG Seetouristik und Fährdienst AG in the Port of Hamburg. The system enables emission-free power supply to the vessels while they are docked. The system provider for mobile industrial applications designed the infrastructure specifically for floating ferry terminals on the Elbe River, ensuring it compensates for movements caused by tides and currents.

“In the future, the shore power solution will replace onboard generators during port layovers, thereby significantly reducing emissions and noise in port operations,” says Olaf Biesterfeldt, sales representative for Northern Germany at VAHLE.

The HADAG fleet comprises 27 vessels and connects key public transit hubs, including the Landungsbrücken, Blankenese, and the Elbphilharmonie. In the future, the ferries will operate without running diesel generators during layovers. The new infrastructure is being developed as part of the expansion of shore-based power supply in the Port of Hamburg and is part of the port’s long-term climate strategy.

The technical implementation posed special challenges: The berths are located on floating pontoons whose position constantly changes due to tides and currents. As a result, both the connection height and the distance between the ship and the infrastructure vary. “We have therefore developed a movable power supply system that flexibly brings the connection to the respective ferry while ensuring safe power transmission,” explains Biesterfeldt.

The technological basis is a proven VAHLE technology: The so-called “Stinger System” routes the conductor rail overhead, thereby moving it out of the work area. This prevents tripping hazards, accidental contact with electricity, and collisions. Originally developed for maintenance areas of commuter rail and subway systems, the technology was adapted for maritime use with a high-performance three-phase power supply. “Three-phase systems can transmit significantly higher power than single-phase systems. This is ideal for the requirements of modern ships,” explains Biesterfeldt.

The developed system extends approximately 30 meters along the pontoon. A movable carriage brings the power connection precisely to the position of the respective ferry and compensates for movements between the ship and the pier. The main power busbar transmits power of up to 860 amps at 400 volts, which will eventually also enable the charging of fully electric ferries. In addition to the power supply, the solution integrates control and data transmission systems that ensure reliable operation.

Another focus was on practical handling in daily ferry operations. To reduce the workload on ferry personnel, VAHLE integrated industrial balancers into the mobile system. These support the weight of the connection components and allow ferry operators to guide the connection to the power supply and dock it there with minimal effort. Sergej Nickel, Head of Project Engineering at VAHLE, says: “The system must prove itself in everyday use. The crews should not have to drag heavy cables.”

For the implementation, VAHLE worked closely with the general contractor Actemium Cegelec Mitte GmbH. While VAHLE developed and supplied the movable infrastructure for power, control, and data transmission, Actemium was responsible for the overarching electrical integration as well as the connection to the shore-side power supply. “The collaboration was clearly structured and based on partnership,” says Nickel.

Currently, four berths in the Port of Hamburg are equipped with the new shore power technology. Looking ahead, this infrastructure will continue to gain importance: Starting in 2027, HADAG plans to deploy fully electric ferries, whose batteries will be charged during layovers.

Shore power systems are considered a key infrastructure measure for the decarbonization of port traffic. With an eye toward the growing expansion of green ports, VAHLE views the project as a reference for similar applications in international ports.