Countdown to MEPC 80: Increased investment needed to boost shore power supply

Port and shipping organisations have urged the IMO to earmark part of the revenue generated from market-based measures like carbon pricing to expanding onshore power infrastructure.

PHOTO: Shore power cabinet in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges - a member of IAPH. P&V Panels

The proposal to IMO was submitted by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) along with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and ferry sector organisation Interferry.

“… funding, regulation, lack of detailed and reliable power consumption data and forecasts taking into account further electrification of ships, and standardisation for certain ship types and low voltage OPS connections are some of the remaining barriers that need to be addressed,” said the proposal.

The industry organisations propose that shore power ranges for ships at berth should be standardised.

A lack of standardisation can hinder ships from charging at berth, they argue, mainly because ports typically have high-voltage shore power and smaller vessels like ferries prefer low-voltage power.

This has increased the likelihood of cables and connectors being incompatible between vessels and shore power providers. If shore power providers have to invest in additional infrastructure to accommodate every type of vessel that will be more costly.

The organisations also asked the IMO to discuss standards for charging batteries onboard vessels when member states convene for the 80th IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting next month.

By Konica Bhatt

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