Countdown to MEPC 81: IMO asked to update shore power guidelines

Guidelines for onshore power supply systems (OPS) should be updated to ensure the safety of vessels and crew, OCIMF and INTERTANKO have proposed in a submission to the IMO ahead of next month's meeting.

PHOTO: An onshore power supply system (OPS) connected to a cruise ship in Valetta, Malta. Valletta Cruise Port

Shore power has gradually become more widely available in ports. Although it may not drastically impact global shipping emissions, it allows ships to connect to electrical power while in port, thereby reducing shipping emissions around the port area.

According to an IMO document, shore power was available in just 20 ports back in 2012. Since then, the number of ports offering shore power has increased manyfold, with DNV reporting that it is now available in over 90 locations.

The current interim guidelines for OPS were approved by the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) last year. At that time, it was agreed that the committee would keep these guidelines under review and amend them based on experience.

Oil and gas industry advocate Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) urge the IMO to update these guidelines, possibly because more ports such as the Port of San Diego and the Port of Galveston have announced plans to develop shore power supply.

They advocate for a global standardisation of shore power supply to ensure that all ports adhere to a consistent standard for shore power implementation.

Shore-power output for tankers should be standardised to 6.6 Kilowatt (kW) in accordance with a research paper put forward by them. To prevent accidents, cables should be kept away from cargo transfer equipment. Port authorities can decide the shore power location, but a thorough risk assessment is crucial beforehand, they added.

They urge the IMO to consider these findings for shore power standardisation at the upcoming 81st Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) meeting scheduled for 18-22 March. 

By Nithin Chandran

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