The Old Port of Cannes, a jewel of the French Riviera, is more than just a picturesque marina. It is a bustling hub of diverse activities, each with unique electrical needs. Marechal connectivity in the form of switched disconnectors ensures the flexibility needed to operate a world class maritime power distribution system.
The Port of Cannes on the Côte d’Azur is renowned for its picturesque views and a wide range of activities. Yet, its flexibility and smooth-running demand a sophisticated electrical infrastructure.
A Diverse Range of Activities
The Port covers a sprawling 23-hectares, with fifteen hectares of water and over 2,000 linear meters of quays. Moreover, it supports six major activities, being:
- Yachting with 724 berths.
- Cruising, catering to large vessels and passenger liners.
- Coastal transport, with four major transport companies.
- Ship repair, covering a 5,000 m² area.
- Freight, ensuring vital cargo movements.
- Events, including world-renowned festivals and exhibitions.
At the heart of this versatile operation is an innovative electrical infrastructure that keeps everything running smoothly.
The Port’s Electrical Infrastructure: A Technological Achievement
The port’s electrical distribution system oversees everything from commercial operations like diving clubs and rentals to ship repairs and event hosting.
The national power utility supplies the port’s electrical network from both high-voltage and low-voltage transformers. They also ensure power to all sections of the port, from yachting, pleasure boating, events, commercial shipping to ship repairs.
Marechal Connectivity Powering for the Future
A key aspect of the port’s infrastructure is the integration of Marechal plugs and sockets. Marechal connectivity provides the port with innovative technology, particularly the design of quay bollards, which are critical for marina operations. The quay terminals on the Albert Edouard jetty, for mooring larger yachts feature twenty-six specially designed terminals. For example, twenty-two of which can deliver 250 A, and four that can deliver up to 400 A to the vessels.
These bollards are unique in their modular design, allowing the port’s team to adjust the power output as needed. A quick change of the power trolley can reconfigure the terminal’s output, allowing flexibility and efficiency, furthermore, a key-lock mechanism secures the system to ensure safe operation.
Modern Metering for Efficiency
More recently, the port installed remote meter reading systems for these power trolleys. This digital upgrade allows the Yachting Department at the Harbour Master’s Office to accurately monitor boat energy consumption in real-time, saving both time and resources.
Supporting World-Class Events
The Port of Cannes is not only a maritime hub but also a key venue for globally renowned events, such as:
- The Cannes Film Festival in May, a glittering showcase of international cinema.
- The Cannes Yachting Festival in September, a prestigious boat show.
To support these high-profile events, the port’s electrical infrastructure must be able to handle high current distribution throughout the year. Marechal connectivity and modular power solutions ensure that the port is always ready to welcome large crowds and the associated yacht traffic that accompanies these occasions.
Marechal Electric’s Contribution
The Marechal plugs and sockets have become a vital part of the port’s infrastructure. Their robust design, combined with the dual voltage capability (220 V single-phase for sailboats and 400 V three-phase for larger vessels), has made them a favourite among the port’s technicians. Furthermore, the color-coded plugs provide additional convenience, with blue plugs dedicated to boat connections and events, with black, coded plugs used for connecting floating pontoons. In addition to their safety and reliability, they also ensure ease of maintenance, allowing quick repairs if damaged through misuse.
Overall, the Old Port of Cannes exemplifies how innovative electrical solutions can power a diverse range of maritime activities. Whether powering a luxury yacht or hosting an international film festival, this port’s infrastructure is equipped to handle it all.
To find out how Marechal switch disconnectors for harsh environments can solve your connectivity challenges, please use this contact form.
