![]() ![]() The ships are fitted with special power connectors that are connected to an onshore electrical power grid through a substation at the port. In addition, cities and agencies offer significant grants for ports and ships to convert to shore power systems. For example, the Environmental Shipping Index (ESI) rewards ships that voluntarily reduce their emissions, and ports that participate in the ESI offer incentives for ships to use shore power. Getting ahead of coming regulations makes sense, and there are several financial incentives for switching over to shore power solutions. Regional and international regulations increasingly require shore power conversions.Utilizing shore power also reduces the frequency of care and maintenance required to ensure optimal performance of the engines, saving time, work, materials, and thus money. Allowing main or auxiliary engines to rest rather than run continuously while at port reduces wear and tear and increases overall lifespan. The engine is one of the most expensive parts of any ship, so extending the life of the ship’s engine through ship to shore power systems is extremely valuable. Ship to shore power solutions extends the life of the engines.When ships are hooked up to shore power converters, the noise pollution and vibration problem are eliminated. Auxiliary engines are noisy, and they vibrate. Ship to shore service dramatically reduces noise pollution.Īnother problem is noise pollution.Implementing ship to shore power systems improves the quality of life and health for ship and dock workers, helps preserve clean waters, protects marine life, and benefits the entire coastal community. The existing air pollution can be a constant source of friction between the nearby port communities and the port, leading to opposition to port growth. Shore power usage improves relationships between the ports and local communities.Children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and other sensitive populations are at the highest risk. These health risks include increased respiratory symptoms, cancer risk, premature mortality, and hospital admissions. These emissions contain particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and air toxins contributing to substantial health risks. Shore power systems present significantly fewer health risks to residents.Īccording to the EPA, emissions from vessels running auxiliary diesel engines at berth can significantly contribute to air pollution.People, marine life, animals, air and water quality all benefit tremendously from shore power. There are many reasons to utilize shore power systems. Using ship to shore power can dramatically reduce overall pollutant emissions by up to 98% when connected to the regional electricity grid while in port. Shore power solutions have more recently found their way into the commercial sector, filling a critical need. Navy Shore power over the past 20 years and is included in the Navy’s Incentivized Shipboard Energy Conservation program. Other terms for shore power include cold ironing, Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), and Onshore Power Supply (OPS). The term “shore power” refers to the power source for the vessel at berth, using local onshore electrical power rather than the ship’s auxiliary diesel engines. Shore power service stands alone in effectively addressing and satisfying all of these concerns. The resultant polluting emissions are harmful to the environment, a danger to human, animal, and marine life, a source of significant noise pollution, and creates tension with neighboring port communities. Some vessel types, such as container, refrigeration, and cruise ships, require significant power while in port. While at berth, ships typically use auxiliary diesel-powered engines to generate the power needed to maintain critical levels for ventilation, electrical, refrigeration, communication, and other systems. ![]() However, as industries begin to recover, the problem of harmful emissions while cargo, container, cruise, and other sea-faring vessels are at dock remains a serious concern. Projections for the global shipping container market alone in 2027 are $12 billion. ![]() However, shipping by sea still accounts for over 90% of the transportation of all goods globally and will continue to be the primary method of transportation for the foreseeable future. The recent pandemic affected all industry sectors worldwide, and the international maritime trade was no exception. ![]()
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