Rhenus Group is developing new inland waterway logistics for the wind energy sector with the construction of the push barge Rhenus Berlin 1. The vessel is being built to meet Enercon’s specifications for transporting its latest generation of rotor blades.
Rhenus Berlin 1 consists of a push boat and a barge assembled from three separate sections. The drive unit is located externally, with the push boat providing increased flexibility and allowing navigation through narrow lock chambers. The vessel is expected to be completed within the year and will primarily operate on canals in northern Germany. It will be used initially for transporting Enercon’s rotor blades for wind farm projects using the new E-175 EP5 turbine. With a loading length of 92 metres and a total length of 100 metres, the barge can carry up to two rotor blades, each up to 86 metres long. The vessel is currently under construction at the shipyard port in Szczecin, where the barge is being assembled from its three core components.