Japan commences work on building nationwide shore power network

A Japanese consortium has unveiled its intentions to establish a nationwide network of “standardized shore-to-ship power stations.”

PHOTO: Configuration image of standard shore-to-ship power supply system. e5 Lab

In the first phase of the project, the consortium, provisionally named the 'Promotion Council for Zero Emission Chargers for Ships' will install prototype chargers for ships in Hanshin Port and Keihin Port in Japan. The group expects to complete the installation process by 2025. The chargers will then be installed in other ports across the country.

To establish the network, the consortium will develop a universal standard for the shore power system, which will comprise standardised charging and billing system, hardware and software charging system for vessels and ship-to-shore communication system.

The “shore-to-ship power supply” network will help in reducing diesel consumed by ships docked in ports, thereby cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other harmful emissions including particulate matter (PM), sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the group says.

The aim is “to develop and maintain a strategic ecosystem for zero emission chargers for ships,” which will eventually lead to “zero emissions from ships in port areas, the spread of EV ships, the expansion of renewable energy use, and improvements in global and local environmental issues,” the consortium claims.

The move also aligns with Japan’s aim of achieving “carbon neutrality by 2050.” The group recognises “the effectiveness of zero emission chargers (onshore power) for ships to promote decarbonisation in maritime and port areas.”

The consortium includes e5 Lab, Marindows, e-Mobility Power, CHAdeMO Association, The Japan Ship Technology Research Association, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and Development Bank of Japan.

Port and Harbor Bureaus of Kobe and Yokohama cities will act as observers for the project.

Shore power or “cold ironing” has been gaining traction across port operators and ship operators globally to reduce emissions while a ship is berthed.

According to classification society DNV, there are currently 118 facilities across ports globally offering shore power to vessels, with 47 more planned and four under discussion.

By Tuhin Roy

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