BRUSSELS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission has approved 200 million euros (approximately 220 million U.S. dollars) in state aid package under European Union (EU) rules to support the construction of new berths in the German North Sea port of Cuxhaven.

The funds will be allocated to Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG (Nports) for the construction of four new berths.

The project will strengthen Cuxhaven as an offshore industrial hub by improving infrastructure for handling heavy-duty loads such as wind farm components.

The initiative will also contribute to Germany's renewable energy targets and enhance energy security. As part of the measure, the state-owned port authority will contribute 100 million euros to the project. The new berths are expected to become operational in 2028 and will have a projected lifespan of 30 years.

The European Commission evaluated the funding under EU state aid rules and determined that the measure is necessary and appropriate for advancing offshore wind projects, which provide economic, environmental and energy security benefits. The Commission also said that the aid will have a limited impact on competition and trade between EU member states.