Capital completes tanker onshore power assessment

This milestone marks the first tanker compatibility assessment completed after the 2012 publication of the IEC 80005-1 standard.

The assessment ensures that Capital’s six Suezmax oil tankers – Argeus, Aristoklis, Archelaos, Aristodimos, Ayrton and Amo – currently under construction for delivery between 2025 and 2027, will be fully compatible with onshore power infrastructure at the Port of Long Beach in California.

“Capital is always at the forefront of technological developments, but it is really important for us to future-proof our fleet towards all current and coming regulatory requirements,” said Nikolas Vaporis, Capital’s chief technical officer.

“Working with LR, we managed to become pioneers in the compatibility aspects of tankers cold ironing as far as the port’s onshore power supply requirements are concerned.”

LR has played a crucial role in resolving technical uncertainties surrounding OPS compatibility. By clarifying these requirements, LR has addressed a key challenge for vessels visiting the port’s oil terminals, ensuring compliance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission control regulations.

“There was critical information missing in the standard, which made it difficult for shipowners and yards to order the equipment with correct technical specifications and to make the installations on board,” said Theo Kourmpelis, Global Tanker, Emerging Oil Markets, and Future Fuels Segment director at LR.

“By proactively addressing compatibility challenges, we have not only supported Capital in meeting regulatory requirements but also paved the way for the wider industry to transition towards greener port operations.”