Terntank’s tanker performs unloading operation using shore power in Gävle
Danish shipping company Terntank’s tanker has conducted an unloading operation utilising shore power for the first time in the Swedish port of Gävle.
PHOTO: Terntank's vessel connected to shore power at the Port of Gävle. Terntank
The product tanker, Tern Fors, was connected to shore side electricity for over three hours during the unloading operation – “the most energy-consuming operation for a tanker.” The operation consumed a total of 1,424-kilowatt hour (kWh), the company said.
In July, Swiss engineering firm Cavotec installed a shore power system in the Port of Gävle to provide power connection to tankers.
“Connecting tankers to shore power is complex due to a permanent risk of explosions when a tanker is docked in energy ports, as flammable products are pumped that can easily be ignited by electrical equipment,” Terntank says.
“Shore power for tankers is only available in one port in the USA for regular traffic, nowhere else in the world,” the shipping company claims.
The operation is currently being evaluated by both the port and the shipping company, before tanker Tern Fors and its sister vessel, Tern Island, can connect next time.
Use of shore power: two sides of the same coin
Classification society DNV’s data shows that there are currently 118 facilities across ports worldwide offering shore power to vessels, with 47 more planned and four under discussion.
The Port of Seattle reported a record 2023 cruise season with 291 cruise ships visiting the port between April and October. With an increase in number of cruise ships visiting the port, the port experienced an increase in the use of shore power as well.
“More than one-third of cruise ships utilised shore power at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, setting a record number of plug-ins for a Seattle cruise season,” the Port of Seattle stated.
On the other hand, an investigation conducted by socio-political media outlet openDemocracy revealed that only one in ten cruise ships has plugged into shore power at Southampton, the UK's biggest cruise port, since it became available last year.
By Tuhin Roy
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