VAHLE Receives Major Contract for Port Electrification in Abu Dhabi

The Paul Vahle GmbH & Co. KG has received a major contract for the electrification and automation of container blocks at the new Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the first phase, the world-leading provider of energy and data transmission solutions for mobile applications and expert in port automation will equip 16 container blocks with automation systems and install approximately 22 kilometers of power rails.

(Kamen/Abu Dhabi) VAHLE has been awarded the contract by the CMA CGM Group, a leading French shipping and logistics company headquartered in Marseille. “This contract is a significant milestone for us, as it not only reaffirms our expertise in the electrification and automation of container terminals but also underscores our pioneering role in providing innovative solutions for port logistics,” said Jaroslaw Warzecha, Director of the Port Business Unit at the VAHLE Group. Following successful projects in the ports of Wilmington and Baltimore in the USA, this is already the third joint project with Konecranes and the first collaboration with the CMA CGM Group.

In the summer of 2024, the first phase of the electrification project will commence, during which VAHLE will equip 16 container blocks with automation systems. The Kamen-based company will also install about 22 kilometers of the flexible and low-maintenance U35 power rail. Additionally, VAHLE will enhance the system with the fail-safe SMGX data communication (Slotted Microwave Guide Extreme), which ensures a powerful data rate of up to one gigabit. “This guarantees real-time data communication, thereby increasing safety and enabling fully automated port operations,” emphasizes Warzecha.

VAHLE will also supply telescopic arms for 20 eRTG cranes (Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes). The cranes themselves are supplied by Konecranes. “Given the tight schedule, the eRTGs will be delivered in parts to Abu Dhabi and assembled on-site. Although this poses a significant challenge due to the August temperatures, we have already proven during the AIN Dubai project that we can handle it,” explains Warzecha. The project in Abu Dhabi marks another milestone in the history of VAHLE’s port division, which was founded in 2014. “We are excited to start the project at Khalifa Port on the occasion of our tenth anniversary in 2024,” says Warzecha.

Global Demand for Port Electrification Has Increased Significantly

In recent years, global demand for port electrification and terminal automation has increased significantly. Many operators are now aiming to reduce their CO2 emissions to zero by 2040. VAHLE offers a variety of technologies specifically tailored to the needs of the port industry. These include various energy and data transmission solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the CO2 footprint of port terminals. VAHLE will showcase its innovative developments for a sustainable maritime logistics chain at the TOC Europe trade fair (June 11-13) in Rotterdam.

Photo: © VAHLE