The Nassauborg as a hub in the energy transition
Wagenborg recently used the Nassauborg to transport subsea cables from Greece to the Netherlands. This unique project underscores the collaboration between Wagenborg departments. Paul Bakker of Wagenborg Projects & Logistics discusses the technical challenges and the close working relationships between the various Wagenborg disciplines in this unique field.
From steel to electricity
“It all started in 2015,” says Paul. “That's when we developed our first cable tanks. We've since developed a solid track record transporting cables for clients like DEME, Van Oord, and Seaway.” Over the years, a potent hub for these activities has emerged in Delfzijl and Eemshaven. “This is where expertise, manpower, storage & transhipment capacity, and accessibility all come together,” Paul explains. Many cable manufacturers and wind projects are located in Northwestern Europe, making this an ideal base. We can respond quickly, as we have the right facilities and people nearby. This creates a situation where everything comes together to serve our customers effectively, from loading to unloading, all done with our own vessels, staff, and equipment.
A special journey with the Nassauborg
A recent project stood out: transporting cables from Greece to Amsterdam with the Nassauborg. "This was a great example of flexibility," says Paul. "We had to work closely with our colleagues in Shipping to convert the ship, dock it, and prepare it for the voyage. Thanks to excellent cooperation, we succeeded. This shows what we can do as a group." The Nassauborg's wide holds made it ideal for cable transport. "Sometimes it's literally a matter of a meter more or less. With The Nassauborg, we were able to meet the customer's requirements exactly."
Empathising with the client's world
“In our world, it's not just about technology. Above all, it is about understanding the environment in which you work. Every client has their own safety regulations, quality standards, and working methods. Cable transport brings together diverse worlds: from shipping to offshore. The trick is to integrate these worlds seamlessly. A client should know their standards will be met from start to finish. This requires adaptability, forward thinking, and empathy with the client's practices, whether the client is a cable manufacturer in Greece or a wind farm operator in Scandinavia.”
Building sustainable connections together
Subsea cable transport is a vital link in the energy transition. “We don't lay the cables. Our task is to ensure they are available at the right time and in the right place,” says Paul. “From the factory to the cable layer, we connect all the links in the chain.” In a world where every component is specialised and expensive, this is a complex puzzle. "Our challenge is to use our vessels, crew, and resources to organise the availability of cables as efficiently as possible and ensure that the cables arrive undamaged. In this way, we contribute indirectly, but significantly, to the realisation of sustainable energy."
Proud of the project team
Paul concludes with a smile: "What makes me proud is the commitment of the entire team. From the engineers to the project managers and the crew on board, everyone feels responsible for the project's success. We do that well at Wagenborg. We care about each other, the client, and the environment."
