No shore power without cable routing

Shore power systems are a key technology and a prerequisite for decarbonizing port operations. A complex infrastructure forms the foundation of this transformation. And at the heart of it all: Tsubaki Kabelschlepp’s TKSPS energy management systems, which deliver power and signals to ships safely, reliably, and continuously.

“Without well-designed cable management, shore power systems simply cannot function,” sums up Pascal Berg, Industry Manager for Cranes, Long Travel, and OPS at Tsubaki Kabelschlepp. “Our systems ensure that power reaches exactly where it’s needed—even with changing berthing positions and different types of ships.”

The challenges involved are considerable. For one thing, the systems must transmit enormous amounts of power. For another, they operate under harsh conditions: saltwater, wind, and UV radiation. The solution? Energy chains that are guided on rollers and move protected from the elements beneath the pier or within a special guide channel installed on or in front of the pier edge. The materials used are particularly UV-stable and saltwater-resistant. They withstand the elements, protect the cables, and guarantee a long service life even under heavy loads.

Focus on Flexibility

With its TKSPS (Tsubaki Kabelschlepp Shore Power System) solutions for cruise ships and container ships, Tsubaki Kabelschlepp offers standardized, field-proven energy chain systems for cable management in various port scenarios. Greenfield or brownfield—that is, new construction or retrofitting—both options are possible. “This gives port operators the flexibility they need to future-proof existing infrastructure or equip new locations from the start to meet future requirements,” explains Pascal Berg.

An additional advantage: The systems can be customized modularly, which also takes international requirements into account. Depending on the application, appropriate corrosion protection measures—including high protection classes such as C5-M for individual components—are implemented; relevant standards such as IEC 80005-1 are taken into account where required. “We document every system in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive and advise our customers early on to avoid subsequent modifications,” Pascal Berg continues.

Expertise from a Single Source

But technology alone is not enough. Planning, implementation, and operation must mesh seamlessly. Tsubaki Kabelschlepp therefore offers comprehensive engineering services: from the initial concept through to commissioning. “Our development and service teams support projects beyond commissioning and throughout their entire service life,” explains Pascal Berg. “This also includes training, maintenance, retrofits, and modernizations—all under the umbrella of our in-house service offering, ProService.”

Particular emphasis is placed on condition monitoring. Through condition monitoring—for example, to measure tensile and shear forces—potential malfunctions can be detected early on. In addition, ready-to-install solutions such as floating drivers with integrated sensors are used. “The electrification of ports is no longer a vision of the future, but a reality,” summarizes Pascal Berg. “And with every new project, we get a little closer to this goal.”