The Meyer Group, which includes Neptun Werft in Warnemünde, is joining forces with the Belgian company Smulders to build offshore converter platforms at the Warnemünde site. To this end, they will launch two companies: Neptun Smulders Offshore Renewables and Neptun Smulders Engineering.
The two new companies will take over the design and manufacture of the platforms. As a first step, the new company will create up to 100 jobs in Warnemünde.
The contemplated joint venture is currently still subject to regulatory approval from the competition authorities and is expected to be operational during the first quarter of 2024.
Larger converter stations needed
The collaboration between Neptun Werft and Smulders will enable Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to make a significant contribution to Germany’s green energy supply and create strategic production capacities with local value creation and jobs in Germany. To reach the ambitious ramp-up targets for offshore wind from the German government, a jump in size and technology for the converter platforms is needed: to 2 GW capacity and to high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission technology.
‘We are combining the Meyer Group’s expertise in large scale complex shipbuilding with Smulders’ offshore experience in a unique way to enable the jump to the new 2 GW offshore converter platform size with high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology,’ says Jan Meyer. ‘Together, we are creating the necessary strategic production capacities to be able to manufacture the converter platforms required for the energy transition in Germany. We will be a concrete example how the green transition creates jobs in Germany.’
In addition to the team at Neptun Werft, up to 100 additional team members are initially being sought for platform construction: ‘We know that there are many passionate shipbuilders in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. We want to develop this new business segment with them and many other experts. Applications are now open,’ says Meyer.
Neptun Werft grows for converter platforms
Neptun Werft’s production areas are also being adapted to the new business segment. To this end, the company has already purchased the former site of the engine manufacturer Caterpillar, which is directly adjacent to the Neptun Werft site. In addition, part of the neighbouring marine arsenal will be used by Neptun Smulders Offshore Renewables in future.
Also read: Pioneering Spirit installs DolWin kappa offshore converter station
