The Port of Nakskov has put a new and expanded shipping channel into use after eight years of work with applications, regulatory processing and construction. The expansion is to ensure that the port can continue to handle the increasingly larger wind turbine blades that are produced locally and shipped to projects around the world. This is stated by Green Power Denmark in a press release.
The new shipping channel is 13 kilometers long, 50 meters wide and 8.5 meters deep. Three sharp bends have been straightened out into two soft turns, which should make navigation easier - especially for larger and deeper-going ships. On Tuesday last week at 1:35 p.m., the first ship sailed through the new section at Knølen in Nakskov Fjord. Another ship followed shortly after.
The expansion is taking place as wind turbines, and especially blades, have become larger. The port is home to Vestas' blade factory, where blades over 115 meters are produced. The large components are transported by sea to markets such as Asia and the USA, as they cannot be shipped by land. That is why the shipping channel has been important for the wind turbine manufacturer, which has previously been out and about rattling the saber regarding the future of the factory at Nakskov Harbour, if the project does not become a reality.
- We have had a desire to future-proof the factory in Nakskov, and the fact that the shipping channel has now become a reality means that the factory's competitiveness will be significantly strengthened in the coming years, while at the same time supporting European-produced wind energy that is cheap, safe and sustainable, the wind turbine manufacturer states in a written comment.
Green Power Denmark port infrastructure is important
Green Power Denmark points out that investments in port infrastructure are crucial for Denmark to continue to be a production country for the wind turbine industry.
- The ports must be equipped for the development of the green industry. Investments in the ports' facilities and infrastructure are a prerequisite for Denmark to continue to be a production country for a global wind turbine industry, where turbines are becoming larger and increasingly more efficient. Therefore, we also look forward to the government presenting the upcoming port strategy, says Jan Hylleberg, CEO of Green Power Denmark.
According to port manager Jørgen Buhl at Lolland Ports, the lengthy case processing has created uncertainty about the port's future role as a hub for wind turbine production. With the new shipping lane, he assesses that the port is now better equipped for the international competition to attract and retain production.
The port manager estimates that more than 2,000 jobs in the area are related to the wind turbine industry.
amp
