Enercon and logistics partner Rhenus have used the Rhenus Berlin I push barge for the first time to transport wind turbine components via inland waterways, from the port of Emden, Germany, to the port of Haren, Germany.
HLPFI reported in June 2025 that Rhenus and Enercon had partnered to develop the push barge to handle the manufacturer’s wind components and facilitate a shift of project transports from the road to waterway.
For its maiden project, tower sections were loaded onto the 100 m-long vessel at the port of Emden and transported inland to the port of Haren, before continuing by road to the wind farm construction site in Emlichheim.
“We wouldn’t have been able to deliver the tower sections to the destination region by road without significant effort,” explained Alexander Hänsel, chartering manager at Enercon Logistics, adding that the company will utilise the flexibility of the Rhenus Berlin I to transport other components when needed.
Custom-built to Enercon’s requirements, the inland vessel is made up of a push boat and a barge comprising three segments, whilst its propulsion unit is external. It offers flexibility and facilitates transport even through narrow lock chambers.
“Especially for oversized components like rotor blades, they [barges] offer a reliable alternative to road transport – with fewer traffic jams, lower emissions, and greater planning reliability,” said David Schütz, senior project manager at Deutsche Binnenreederei, part of the Rhenus Group.
