ERMA FIRST’s BLUE CONNECT system is a revolutionary high-voltage alternative maritime power (AMP) solution suitable for both retrofit and newbuild installations. The system is available in a containerised or stand-alone version. Standard models currently cater to Ro-Ro, Ro-Pax, PCTC and ferries as well as container ships, cruise ships and tankers, but the system can be tailored to the needs of other vessel types. 

Based on vessel requirements, BLUE CONNECT is available in four configurations: low-voltage fixed connection, low-voltage portable connection, high-voltage fixed connection and high-voltage portable connection. The low-voltage options are designed for ships with an onboard power distribution of 440 V/60 Hz, while the high-voltage versions serve vessels with a power distribution of 11 or 6.6 kV/60 Hz. The fixed systems are suitable for ships requiring connection from one side only and involve a permanent connection to the main switchboard. The portable system enables a plug-in connection at the port or starboard side of the vessel.

BLUE CONNECT includes a cable management system (CMS) for connecting the vessel to shore, a power transformer to convert high-voltage to low-voltage and the necessary switchgear to protect crew and equipment. Operation is controlled and monitored by the shore-connection main control panel, while power changeover supports shore-to-vessel synchronisation to ensure an uninterrupted power supply upon connection. The solution can also be integrated with the vessel’s alarm-monitoring and/or power-management system.