Challenge / Goal
Addressing the escalating concern of ship emissions in ports, the focus has shifted to pollutants like NOx, SOx, and PM rather than CO2. Studies indicate that approximately 70% of global emissions related to maritime transport occur within a 400 km radius of ports, significantly impacting coastal environments. A promising solution to mitigate this environmental impact is cold ironing—an anti-pollution measure that is able to reduce air pollution produced by ship auxiliary generators through the use of shore electric power as an alternative. The ship’s power load is transferred to the shoreside power supply without an impact on onboard services. The development of this technology, initiated around a decade ago in North America and Europe, is now gaining global traction as a pivotal measure to reduce pollution from ships docked in ports.
Solution
The solution involves the establishment of a dual medium voltage distribution network within the port area, operating at 15kV, 50Hz, and 6.6/10/11kV at 60Hz, utilizing a 10MW 50/60Hz ICBT converter. This configuration allows for a robust power supply, ensuring flexibility to cater to various types of ships. Cruise ships with power requirements of up to 10MW at 10 or 11 kV, 60Hz can be accommodated, while cargo ships and ferries are supported with 4-5 MW at 6.6 kV 50/60Hz, 2MW at 690V 50/60 Hz, and 2MW at 400V or 440V 50/60 Hz.
To streamline the power supply to docked ships, a mobile structure has been implemented, offering easy mobility and positioning across different quays. The project incorporates a SCADA system for comprehensive monitoring and control of the entire electrical infrastructure, complemented by a high-band fiber optic data network. Operational since 2018, the cold ironing plant at GENOA Ports stands as the pioneering Onshore Power Supply (OPS) implementation in Italy.
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Log inTime period
Planning time
1 to 2 years
Implementation time
2 to 5 years
Implementers
Port of Genoa, DBA Progetti
Service providers
Port of Genoa, DBA Progetti
End users
Port, vessel operators