€100m marine energy boost for Cherbourg

The next phase, due to start last month, is part of a redevelopment project whose funding exceeds €100m. The announcement of a call for expression of interest in a tidal-farm pilot project in the area, together with the agreements concluded by DCNS and Alstom with PNA, confirms the importance of Cherbourg in the marine renewable energy sector.

Laurent Beauvais, president of the PNA said: “It is a matter of adhering to the commitments made to our partners Alstom and Eolien Maritime France (EMF) with regard to offshore wind energy and, from now on, providing a credible response to new requests that emerge.”

A major ambition of PNA, as well as that of businesses based across the region, is to secure the future of marine renewable energies in the area. PNA is positioning itself as a key player for all new industrial and logistical developments in the field of wind and tidal energy, with current projects that include the extension of the port of Cherbourg and the redevelopment of the outer harbour in Ouistreham.

PNA has invested early to guarantee the availability of the land and the deployment of the infrastructure that is essential to attracting leading companies. Local as well as regional authorities have made strong budgetary commitments in order to fund this strategic choice.

The €40m extension of the Flamands quay (or Quai des Flamands) in Cherbourg will be a new tool for the effective handling of marine renewable energy related operations. Cherbourg was chosen by EMF and Alstom as a marine renewable energy development site thanks to its position at the heart of the French offshore wind energy market and its proximity to the windfarms being built off the south coast of England.

The first phase of development works was launched in early 2013 and involved lengthening the Flamands quay by 320m to the south (including a 100m long return quay) to provide a total length of 680m. This extension is intended to optimise the handling and frequent trans-shipment of heavy loads such as nacelles, masts or even foundations for offshore wind turbines. The extension of the quay will have a load bearing capacity of 15 tonnes per square metre, i.e. two to three times that of conventional quays. This new berth will also make it possible to accommodate ships with a draught of up to 14m, enhancing the port’s capacity and its ability to cope with large vessels.

The first phase of maritime works, consisting of dredging, excavation and the construction of the provisional dyke, has now been completed. Construction of the quay wall started last month and completion of the work is anticipated for the end of 2014.

The second stage of this project is a €60m extension of the harbour’s large container yards, making new land available to enhance the attractiveness of the port of Cherbourg. With work due to start in 2014, the existing Flamands and Mielles ship yards will be extended by 96 acres to the north and east. The project is due for completion in 2016, at which point the Port of Cherbourg will have almost 250 acres of land to dedicate to the marine renewable energy sector.