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Vestas is pleased to announce that Jakob Wegge-Larsen will become Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Vestas and member of Executive Management.

He is expected to take up the position as CFO during the second quarter of 2025.

Jakob Wegge-Larsen joins Vestas from DB Schenker where he currently serves as CFO and member of the Management Board. Prior to becoming CFO at DB Schenker in 2023, Jakob obtained extensive international experience through global and regional CFO roles within the Maersk Group, Hamburg Süd, and MSC Denmark.

Vestas President and Chief Executive Officer, Henrik Andersen, says “I am thrilled that Jakob Wegge-Larsen will join Vestas as our next CFO following a rigorous process. Jakob will spearhead our Finance organisation as we aim to achieve our long-term target of double-digit profitability and I am confident his extensive experience from several large, global companies will be instrumental for our continued progress. I would also like to thank Rasmus Gram on behalf of the Board and the Executive Management team for the great job he is doing as interim CFO”.

Vestas’ incoming CFO, Jakob Wegge-Larsen, says “I am truly excited to join Vestas at a point where the world needs energy more than ever, and collaborate with the Executive Management team and my other 30,000 new colleagues to ensure Vestas plays a key role in meeting the world’s energy needs. Having spent more than 20 years within logistics and shipping, I look forward to using my experience from global businesses to help Vestas continue its upwards trajectory. I would like to thank Henrik and the Board for their confidence as I’m about to begin this new, exciting chapter”.

Rasmus Gram will continue as interim CFO until Jakob Wegge-Larsen starts and conduct a thorough handover as part of Jakob’s induction.

Jakob Wegge-Larsen is 48 years old, holds an MBA from Henley Business School in the UK, and lives in Denmark with his wife and two kids. Detailed biography is attached as an appendix. Jakob succeeds Hans Martin Smith who left Vestas in December 2024 to pursue new challenges after more than 20 years at Vestas, ref. Company Announcement no. 20/2024.

PCN are pleased to report Approvisionnement Maritime et Technique (APPRO-MATECH) are new members in the Ivory Coast.

Located in Abidjan, the company are specialised in the logistics and handling heavy and over-dimensional cargo by sea, land and air.

General Manager, Hermann Lolo has 20 years of experience in the industry; “We look forwarding to brining value to the network and making our knowledge and professionalism in the transport and logistics of heavy and oversized cargo available to all the expert members.”

InterMax Logistics Solution Ltd, member to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC) for Taiwan, are excited to provide an update on their recent delivery of 48 used crawler cranes, with the goods departing from Taichung and arriving at Jebel Ali.

A company spokesperson explained: “We successfully sent multiple truckloads of machine parts to the Taichung Terminal in three days. A total of 24 trucks were dispatched throughout the day, efficiently transporting the goods to their destination.

During the shipping process, we encountered an unexpected challenge. One of the pieces was too large to fit under the hatch cover of the vessel. To address this issue, we needed to dismantle the oversized component and rearrange its position before securing it for transport. This careful handling ensured that all items reach their destination safely and intact.

We appreciate the cooperation and support of all teams involved in this project, commitment to overcoming logistical challenges is invaluable as we continue our work on this important delivery.”

Every bridge installation Sarens performs is unique, and with decades of expertise in this sector, we know that there will always be fresh challenges to solve.

No matter the constraints, our job is to find the solution.

So when client MAEG Costruzioni SpA contacted us about installing a steel cyclist and pedestrian walkway in Albi, France, Sarens took on the challenge. Our mission: install nine large bridge sections along the historic 19th-century railway viaduct on the Tarn river.

To do it, the team had to work with two constraints: Short timeframe: Sarens had to install all nine sections within two weeks; Narrow waterway: Sarens had to transport the main lifting crane, fully disassembled, along a narrow and difficult section of the Tarn river–including passing through a tight lock.

Fortunately, Sarens is world-renowned for applying our engineering expertise and creativity to problems like these, and we soon conceived of the solution: the crew would transport the CC1500 lifting crane along the Tarn using specialised, narrow transport barges before handing off bridge components to a Sarens modular barge for installation.

The project, which was successfully completed in October of 2024, made us of the following equipment: CC1500 crane; GMK6400; Sennebogen 683 HD; Sarens modular barge as the main barge; Narrow transport barges.

Because of the narrow waterway to be traversed, the CC1500 crane had to be transported piece by piece from the Netherlands via narrow transport barges, travelling through a tight lock along the way.

Furthermore, due to the narrow width of these barges, the crew had to pay special attention to their stability. For example, if the crane body were to be placed on the centre of a barge at just a 10cm offset, it would shift the barge’s angle by 1°–and would become stuck in the lock!

These careful stability calculations were one reason why the CC1500 was chosen for the job: it had to be sufficiently strong to lift each bridge section but light enough to avoid over-submerging the barge, which would have resulted in a collision with the river bed.

In total, Sarens used 11 trucks (in addition to the barges) to transport the CC1500, as well as 37 trucks for the main Sarens modular barge, and 8 trucks for the rented narrow barges. It took the rigging team five days to assemble the main barge and a further five days to assemble the crane with a 54-metre main boom. Once on location, the transport barge was reconfigured so it would be wide enough for installation work, allowing the crane to be driven onto the main Sarens barge.

With all the equipment in place and ready to work, the CC1500 proceeded to lift and install all nine bridge sections to a 30-metre height. It slewed and crawled all along the barge to install each load, which weighed up to 50 tonnes and measured 32 metres in radius.

Thanks to Sarens’ five-member crew and their smooth collaboration with our client, the cyclists and pedestrians of Albi now have a direct and safe link between both banks of the Tarn. This is an important part of the city’s urban renewal plan, which aims to conserve historical architecture while successfully developing the surrounding neighbourhood.

Shippers can breathe a sigh of relief, the east and Gulf coast port strike slated to start next week looks set to be called off – and freight rates could ease.

Last night, despite much speculation to the contrary, the ILA and USMX came to a ‘tentative’ agreement – on all items – on a new six-year master contract.

The two sides have agreed to continue under the current contract until the union can meet with its wage scale committee to schedule a ratification vote, and the USMX members can review and agree the terms of the new contract.

“We are pleased to announce that ILA and USMX have reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year ILA-USMX master contract, subject to ratification, thus averting any work stoppage on 15 January 15,” the two sides said in a joint statement.

“This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernising east and Gulf coast ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong.”

The agreement, if ratified, will also avert higher freight rates. Investment bank Bernstein said today: “The potential strike was one of the most important forces that would have seen freight rates rise in the early part of this year, as it would have meant an effective supply reduction of container capacity, with ships waiting, unproductive, for a berth.

“There remains a possibility of a demand pull-forward ahead of new tariffs on US imports, which can yet support rates near-term — but is only a time-shifting of volumes, and if this transpires, we would expect a volume soft patch later on, as seen in 2018-19.”

However, the bank said that pressure on freight rates would continue owing to the Red Sea crisis, but explained: “If and when this is resolved, we would expect a very rapid drop in pricing”.

It added: “Freight forwarders would likely have been somewhat supported by a strike, as they would have been needed to help clients navigate the ensuing chaos — but the effect is much smaller.”

The details of the deal, when revealed, will lead to much scrutiny of the jobs versus automation debate.

“The tentative agreement frames tech as a job-maker, not job-taker—a key compromise for modern supply chains,” said Judah Levine, head of research for Freightos.

“This is a six-year détente in the tech-versus-labor tug-of-war at US ports.

“Automation remains a lightning rod—and likely one we’ll see in other industries—but this deal suggests a cautious path forward.”

Meanwhile, the ILA credited president-elect Donald Trump for the agreement.

In a message to Mr Trump on Facebook, the ILA said: “You have proven yourself one of the best friends of working men and women in the United States.”

ILA president Harold Daggett said the meeting held with his son, Dennis, and Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month was the “chief reason the ILA was able to win protections against automation for his 85,000 members”.

“President Trump clearly demonstrated his unwavering support for our ILA union and longshore workers with his statement “heard round the world” backing our position to protect American longshore jobs against the ravages of automated terminals,” said Mr Daggett.

“President Trump’s bold stance helped prevent a second coast-wide strike at ports from Maine to Texas that would have occurred on January 15, 2024, if a tentative agreement was not reached.”

Mr Trump had called USMX officials to express his support for the ILA as well as posting on social media.

The ILA Leader said his union regards Mr Trump as “a hero to our ILA union and members” and added: “President Trump gets full credit for our successful tentative master contract agreement.”

However, yesterday evening The Loadstar was still receiving reports that negotiations had fallen apart, with the already-agreed wage rise back on the table in exchange for less automation. The USMX and ILA said they would not disclose details of the deal until all the members of both parties had reviewed and approved.

“This is a win-win agreement that creates ILA jobs, supports American consumers and businesses, and keeps the American economy the key hub of the global marketplace,” the parties said.

Meanwhile, many shipping lines have already announced strike-related surcharges, but some have widened the scope, indicating that they could stay in place.

Analyst Lars Jensen pointed out that MSC had announced identical emergency disruption surcharges from north Europe to both the US and Canada, citing “the disruptions caused by the coming changes in the alliances network”, for the former, as well as a peak season surcharge for Canada.

“This clear discrepancy serves to undermine whatever credence there might be in the reasons provided for such surcharges,” said Mr Jensen.

Other observers suggested that, ultimately, costs would go up for shippers as ILA wages increased. But it’s a price shippers might willingly pay to avoid the far higher cost of a strike.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) joins the e-NG Coalition, the world’s first international alliance targeting the global expansion of e-methane.

The members of this alliance founded on October 20, 2024, envision that e-methane will accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral society. The coalition seeks to promote e-NG (e-methane), build a global market with aligned emissions accounting and certification standards, and reinforce cooperation between all stakeholders along the e-methane value chain. The coalition will play an important role in the energy transition by aligning industry innovation with ambitious climate policies. At this time, 9 companies have joined this alliance, which consists of a total of 17 member companies.

As the international shipping company in the e-NG Coalition, “K” LINE will contribute to the global expansion of e-methane and the establishment of a global supply chain.

e-Methane is a carbon neutral fuel which is made through the methanation of both green hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Its ingredients are almost the same as liquified natural gas, so it is also expected to be used as a marine fuel.

The “K” LINE Group is promoting a variety of initiatives to support the low-carbon and carbon-free efforts for itself and society in accordance with its Environmental Vision 2050 long-term environmental policy.

TII KAMAG, the specialist for internal transport solutions within the TII Group, is cele-brating the 30th anniversary of its market-leading swap body transporter, now known as the KAMAG PrecisionMover (formerly the “Wiesel”).

Since its market launch in 1995, the swap body transporter has had a decisive influence on yard logistics processes – thanks to its optimum ergonomics, efficiency and reliability.

The KAMAG PrecisionMover (PM), a highly mobile swap body transporter, facilitates the precise manoeu-vring of swap bodies, semi-trailers and trailers in the tightest of spaces. What began three decades ago through thTII KAMAG, the specialist for internal transport solutions within the TII Group, is cele-brating the 30th anniversary of its market-leading swap body transporter, now known as the KAMAG PrecisionMover (formerly the “Wiesel”).

Since its market launch in 1995, the swap body transporter has had a decisive influence on yard logistics processes – thanks to its optimum ergonomics, efficiency and reliability.

The KAMAG PrecisionMover (PM), a highly mobile swap body transporter, facilitates the precise manoeu-vring of swap bodies, semi-trailers and trailers in the tightest of spaces. What began three decades ago through the first delivery to the Deutsche Post quickly developed into the standard in yard logistics. Thanks to its outstanding manoeuvrability and speed, the PrecisionMover optimises logistics processes and great-ly increases efficiency in goods transshipment logistics.

The success of the KAMAG PrecisionMover is based on continuous development and innovation. In the first few years, different Mercedes cabins from the van segment were used in the construction. A milestone in 1999 was the introduction of the ATEGO cab from Mercedes that allowed the swap body transporter to real-ly come of age and set new standards in ergonomics and safety. TII KAMAG also relied on innovations very early on in the technical field. Initially, the swap body transporter was equipped with an automatic trans-mission. In 1998, the switch to the hydrostatic drive followed which remains the technical highlight of the PrecisionMover to this day. This type of drive enables precise and low-wear manoeuvring, allows continu-ous forward and reverse driving and thus ensures maximum efficiency particularly in depots with limited space.

In 2019, TII KAMAG introduced a specially developed modern driver’s cab that significantly improved both comfort and safety thanks to its ergonomic design especially through its low entry and excellent all-round visibility. There were also further technical advances such as the hydraulic fifth wheel coupling and hy-draulic container locking system which can be controlled directly from the driver’s seat. Since 2024, the PrecisionMover has also been available in a hot-dip galvanised version that contributes to improved effi-ciency and sustainability through its corrosion resistance.

Since 2013, TII KAMAG has consistently pursued the path of electrification and sustainable logistics solu-tions. Through the introduction of the hybrid Wiesel and subsequently the fully electric KAMAG ePreci-sionMover (formerly the E-Wiesel), the company was able to meet the growing demand for environmental-ly-friendly alternatives. In 2024, TII KAMAG presented the third generation of the ePrecisionMover which stands out through a more efficient battery, thermal management system and shorter recharging times. The company is thus making an important contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in logistics and support-ing customers on their way to a sustainable future. In addition, TII KAMAG is continually driving forward the automation of yard logistics operations. Feasibility studies regarding autonomous solutions for use in de-pots have been underway since 2018.

The success story of the KAMAG PrecisionMover is not limited to Germany. As early as the late 1990s, TII KAMAG began to develop markets throughout Europe. Long-standing customers include well-known large corporations, system logistics specialists, parcel service providers and freight forwarders. The reliability and durability of the PrecisionMover have made it a permanent fixture in the logistics industry. Today, the KAMAG PrecisionMover is the leading swap body transporter and over 2,500 vehicles are in use throughout Europe. A close-knit Europe-wide network of sales and service partners guarantees fast and reliable sup-port – in Germany alone, there are 14 service partners and numerous service points that have been special-ly trained in PrecisionMover technology.

Even after 30 years, the KAMAG PrecisionMover remains a symbol of technological progress. Looking to the future, TII KAMAG continues to invest in its research into autonomous vehicles and solutions for electromobili-ty. The company is determined to continue to shape and influence yard logistics in the coming decades through sustainable innovations. “30 years of KAMAG PrecisionMover is not only an important milestone for our company but also for the entire logistics industry,” explained Godehard Eidenhammer, Head of Sales Yard Logistics at TII KAMAG. “We are proud of our success story and look forward to continuing to play an active role in shaping the future of logistics.”

PLA are introducing FSL SAUDI CO.LTD. representing Saudi Arabia, as the latest Project Logistics Alliance community member.

FSL SAUDI CO.LTD. is a leading freight forwarding and logistics company headquartered in Saudi Arabia. As part of the global Freight Systems network, FSL SAUDI combines local expertise with international capabilities to deliver comprehensive logistics solutions across the Kingdom and beyond.
FSL SAUDI specializes in handling complex logistics challenges, leveraging its extensive network and cutting-edge technology to provide customized solutions for every client. From managing temperature-sensitive cargo to handling oversized project logistics, their team of experts ensures seamless execution of every shipment.

With 3 million square feet of warehouse space across their network and advanced digital capabilities through their Frescon platform, FSL SAUDI provides real-time visibility and control over shipments. Their ISO-certified operations and commitment to sustainability ensure that clients receive not just logistics services, but a partnership focused on long-term success.

Key Services: Project Logistics – Heavy lift and oversized cargo handling; Special equipment deployment; Multi-modal transport solutions; End-to-end project management; Custom rigging and handling; Customs & Compliance – Import/Export clearance; Documentation management; Trade compliance consulting; AEO certified operations; Local regulatory expertise; Contract Logistics – Warehousing and distribution; Temperature-controlled storage; Inventory management; Supply chain optimization; Value-added services; E-commerce Solutions – Cross-border fulfilment; Returns management; Marketplace integration – Last-mile delivery; Digital platform integration; Specialized Services – Fine Arts logistics; Exhibition handling; Dangerous goods handling; Time-critical deliveries; Custom crating and packaging.

Kalmar has signed an agreement with Medcenter Container Terminal (MCT) to supply 20 Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers.

The significant order was booked in Kalmar’s Q4 2024 order intake, with delivery of the machines expected to be completed during Q1 2026.

MCT, which is owned and operated by Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), is located in the southern Italian port of Gioia Tauro. The terminal handles approximately 4 million TEUs annually. Kalmar has delivered over 200 straddle carriers to MCT since 1995.

Antonio Testi, Chief Executive Officer, MCT: “Kalmar straddle carriers have been the backbone of our operations for many years, so continuing our successful partnership was an easy decision. Bringing more hybrid machines into our straddle fleet will enable us to reduce local emissions, fuel costs and noise levels significantly while also offering our operators a more comfortable working environment.”

Marco Tosi, Country Director, Kalmar Italy: “We have been working with MCT since the terminal was first opened and have developed a strong partnership over the years. We are delighted that they have again selected our proven, eco-efficient hybrid straddle carrier technology to expand their fleet.”

Project Cargo Network are pleased to approve LR International as new members in the USA.

Located in Illinois and founded in 1988, the company are recognised by many associations and councils.

Recommended by PCN members, they are proficient in handling project cargo and heavy lift as well as all related logistics services.

Paul Jarzombek (President & CEO) says; “LR International (LRI) is a full service logistics provider with a wide range of capabilities. We are known for our flexibility in creating customized solutions.

Although we have enjoyed substantial growth in over 35 years, LRI remains committed to the personalized services and customized programs which we have built our reputation on.

We specialize in project shipping services worldwide. Our knowledgeable and experienced project managers create expert solutions for oversized, overweight, time sensitive, high value, fragile, dangerous and HAZMAT shipments.

Our relationships with special equipment carriers and port operators, along with our crating & packing expertise and industry certification makes LRI a single source for complex logistics project management.”

DEME, through its Taiwanese joint venture CDWE, has been awarded a substantial1 contract by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners for the transport and installation of foundations and the offshore substation for the Fengmiao 1 offshore wind farm in Taiwan.

CDWE is responsible for the transport and installation of 33 jacket foundations, the pin piles anchoring them to the seabed, and the offshore substation. CDWE is Taiwan’s leading offshore wind contractor, formed through a partnership between CSBC, the largest shipbuilder in Taiwan, and DEME.

For the Fengmiao 1 project, CDWE will deploy its offshore installation vessel ‘Green Jade’. The installation works are scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026. This will be the third foundation installation project for CDWE and ‘Green Jade’, following the successful completion of the 300 MW Zhong Neng and the excellent progress on the 1 GW Hai Long 2 offshore wind farms. Fengmiao 1, developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, is located 35 km off the coast of Taichung and has a capacity of 500 MW, providing renewable energy to Taiwanese businesses.

Javier Magro, CEO of CDWE said: “CDWE has been at the forefront of Taiwan’s offshore wind development, leveraging DEME’s extensive global offshore wind expertise and innovative technologies, and those applied to our other offshore wind projects in the Taiwan Strait. This contract with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners represents another step forward in our shared commitment to delivering sustainable energy infrastructure.”

Manfred Härzschel, the founder of the Cloppenburg-based crane rental company of the same name, recently saw one of his childhood dreams come true: “I’ve wanted a powerful 220-tonne machine with five axles for over 30 years now – and now I’ve finally got one in the form of a Tadano AC 5.220-1,” he reports.

Tadano Sales Manager Thorsten Dietzel was the proverbial genie in this scenario, as he handed over the crane to Manfred Härzschel, Härzschel Managing Director Sylvia Fredeweß, and crane operators Andreas Füßmann and Maximilian Fredeweß in Lauf.

Needless to say, the company did not just order the crane with the optional load view camera to make a childhood dream come true, but instead looked at a series of concrete factors that made it a cost-effective choice: To date, Härzschel has been primarily using its ATF 130G-5 for larger-scale projects – a top-of-the-line machine, Manfred Härzschel is quick to point out. However, the 130-tonne unit has sometimes been unable to lift heavy loads unless used in a tandem lift. “These are the jobs that the powerful AC 5.220-1 can take care of all by itself without issue, and that means that we’ll now be able to offer our customers a particularly cost-effective solution with this crane. To put it simply, we’re ready to take on bigger things with the AC 5.220-1,” Manfred Härzschel explains before going on to highlight how excited he is about the model’s cost-effective two-engine design. In addition, the AC 5.220-1 features a long reach thanks to a 68-meter-long main boom, which makes it ideal for erecting large cranes on rough terrain, with an example consisting of wind farm projects: “There are some very big opportunities for our company there. In fact, the AC 5.220-1 means that we’re now perfectly prepared to take care of the needs of our regular customers in the energy industry in this segment,” Sylvia Fredeweß explains. It is also worth mentioning that Härzschel is not about to remove its ATF130G-5 from service: Despite its being 15 years old at this point, the tried-and-true machine is slated to undergo a full overhaul so that it can continue to dependably do its job for many more years to come.

Just a few days after the handover, the AC 5.220-1 took care of its first job in Cloppenburg by unloading and positioning a 50-tonne substation. Immediately after that, it had to load a 58-tonne tube bender and set a concrete manhole in place. “The AC 5.220-1 made quick work of all these projects, just like we’d expected based on the numerous positive reports from the market,” Manfred Härzschel says, more than happy with his dream crane.

Svitzer, a leading global towage provider, and Höegh Autoliners, a leading global provider of ocean transportation services in the Roll-on, Roll-off segment, have partnered to deliver Svitzer’s first ever EcoTow solution in Australia, servicing the largest and most environmentally friendly car-carrier vessel class in the world on its call to four ports ‘Down Under’.

EcoTow is Svitzer’s proprietary carbon insetting solution, and it has provided a near 100% reduction in CO2 emissions relating to the towage operations of Höegh Aurora’s port calls during her maiden voyage to Australia. With the EcoTow solution, the carbon emissions from towage jobs are mass balanced by carbon credits generated by Svitzer’s use of biofuel across its international towage operations. The neutralisation effect is established by an external auditor and documented through certification and assurance reporting.

Towage is one of the largest carbon emitters in port operations in Australia, and Svitzer has a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy targeting its reduction, including via biofuel and battery powered tugs.

The Höegh Aurora is a multi-fuel capable vessel – cutting carbon emissions per car transported by 58 per cent compared to the current industry standard.

The uptake of EcoTow by Höegh Autoliners in Australia highlights the significant progress in maritime decarbonisation and potential net zero operations possible in the future.

In September, Svitzer also contracted the build of the world’s first battery electric-methanol hybrid TRAnsverse tug – which will offer carbon neutral towage for the majority of the tug’s operations. The tug design offers Port authorities and shipping line companies a towage solution able to support sustainable ‘Green Port’ and ‘Green Shipping Corridor’ ambitions.

Sebjørn Dahl, Chief Operations Officer at Höegh Autoliners, said: “Höegh Autoliners is whole-heartedly set on achieving our 2040 net-zero emissions goal, and the EcoTow agreement with Svitzer on the Höegh Aurora’s visit to Australia illustrates our ongoing commitment in meeting these goals. We are proud to have secured the first-ever, low-carbon towage service in Australia and it is only appropriate that our innovative, world-leading Aurora Class vessel delivers this first, providing the opportunity to further reduce the carbon footprint of our customers’ value chains.”

Svitzer’s Managing Director for Australia, Videlina Georgieva, said: “This is an exciting step forward for decarbonising shipping in Australia – and a demonstration of the significant contribution maritime can make toward a Net Zero future. “We commend Höegh Autoliners for the industry leadership they have shown and their commitment to driving a cleaner, more sustainable future. We are thankful for the opportunity to work closely with our customers to reduce emissions while also providing sustainable, safe and reliable marine services.

“Svitzer has ambitious decarbonisation goals to have fully carbon neutral operations by 2040 and to reduce the carbon intensity of its tugboat fleet by 50 per cent by 2030. We hope this initiative provides some further impetus to the policy landscape in Australia where there is a major, but largely unmet, opportunity to accelerate bioenergy and electrification solutions in maritime decarbonisation.”

The Höegh Aurora’s maiden voyage to Australia occurred in late December 2024, departing on 30 December after completing a four-port visit to Australia where it transported cars to the Australian retail automotive market via ports at Fremantle, Melbourne, Port Kembla and Brisbane.

Energy and marine consultancy ABL has been awarded a contract to provide a shipping study to identify and assess navigational risks associated with the Korsnäs offshore wind farm – Finland’s first open-sea offshore wind power project.

The Korsnäs offshore wind farm is located on the west coast of Finland, in the Baltic Sea. The wind farm is a joint project between Vattenfall and Metsähallitus. It has a planned maximum capacity of 2.5 GW and an annual production of 7 TWh – enough capacity to power 350,000 electrically-heated detached houses by renewable energy.

ABL’s scope of work includes a comprehensive navigational risk assessment, including quantitative risk modelling, stakeholder engagement and recommendations for risk mitigation measures. The findings will also include consideration of the risk effects of sea ice in the vicinity of the development site during the winter season.

The contract has been awarded to ABL’s operations based in Hamburg, Germany, and will be carried out by the company’s global Ports and Harbours consultancy team, with specialist support from sister company OWC.

“We are pleased to provide our expertise in navigational risk analysis to support this pivotal step in Finland’s renewable energy development. This follows many years of successful collaboration by our team on similar work for Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency – BSH – to assess shipping risks from offshore wind sites across the North Sea. This project win is therefore, a testament to our established technical reputation in this field.” Tilo Klappenbach, ABL’s Country Manager to Germany.

ABL’s global Ports and Harbours consultancy includes a full-lifecycle service offering for maritime infrastructure projects, from supporting the financing of assets with engineering and technical due diligence, to safety, regulatory and environmental compliance support, operational asset integrity management, fixed object damage assessment, marine casualty management and expert witness support. The team includes maritime and multi-disciplinary engineering expertise and has a track-record of working across assets in more than 20 countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific.

ABL is part of Oslo-listed consultancy group ABL Group ASA.