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Product category: Cabling, Conduit, Accessories and Signal Conditioning
News Release from: Nexans | Subject: Rheyfirm hybrid ship-to-shore connection cable
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial Team on 13 September 2007

Cable powers berthed ships

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The Nexans Rheyfirm (RS) hybrid ship-to-shore connection cable will help ships cut the production of greenhouse gases while in port, as well as reducing noise emissions and saving on fuel costs.

Nexans has developed a hybrid MV (medium voltage) ship-to-shore connection cable that enables ships berthed in port to cut their engines and plug in to the local power grid, as well as providing an integrated data and telecommunications link Environmental issues are now a key priority for the shipping industry and port authorities, and this cable will help large ships to make use of AMP (alternative maritime power) systems that cut the production of greenhouse gases while in port, as well as reducing noise emissions and saving on fuel costs

The Nexans Rheyfirm (RS) hybrid ship-to-shore connection cable is aimed mainly at the new generation of large container vessels, LNG tankers, ferries and cruise ships, which require vast quantities of electric power (typically 1 to 5MW and currents of over 300A) to support heating, air conditioning, lighting and computer control systems.

There is increasing political pressure on shipping operators and port authorities worldwide to improve air quality in ports, especially as they are often located in densely populated cities.

In fact, according to the 2005 report issued by the European Union ships are fast becoming the biggest source of air pollution in the EU.

Unless more action is taken they are set to emit more than all land sources combined by 2020.

In May 2006, the European Commission adopted the "Recommendation on the promotion of shore-side electricity for use by ships at berth in EU ports".

Furthermore, anticipated legislation in the United States could make the use of shore-side electricity mandatory.

The Nexans Rheyfirm (RS) ship-to-shore cable integrates MV (6/10kV) power supply, control cores and optical fibres for data transmission such as telephone and internet in a single cable designed to be easy to reel either from onboard or from portside.

It has been developed in conjunction with SAM Electronics in Hamburg, Germany, one of Nexans' leading shipboard cable customers, while Cavotec has designed the matching reels, plugs and connectors to create a complete connection system.

The cable is around 80mm in diameter and comprises three 185mm2 phase conductors and two earthing conductors that provide an effective cross-section of 95mm2 - as well as five control cores and 12 optical fibres.

Around 2kmm of the cable have already been delivered for 10 container ships, and Nexans, SAM Electronics and Cavotec are now promoting the system globally to meet the needs of busy ports and superports.

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