Swedish ports take the lead in shore power

The prime advantages are environmental. Shore power systems enable ships to connect to shore side power when docked, rather than running their own engines and gensets. This allows services such as power supply for reefer containers, lighting, heating, food preparation and cargo handling to run directly from the grid, via the port supply. Not only does this provide a significant cut in exhaust emissions in port areas, it also reduces ships’ fuel consumption. The result is a healthier environment for crew and port staff, and improved air quality in the locality of Ystad.

The event was co-hosted by the Port of Ystad, shore power specialist Cavotec, power and automation conglomerate ABB, electrical systems specialist Processkontroll Elektriska, technical consultancy Grontmij, as well as Polferries and Unity Line. Ystad became, in 2012, the latest in a growing number of Swedish ports to adopt shore power connection for ships. The application at Ystad is one of the largest high voltage shore power systems anywhere.

“Ports in Sweden, and around the world, are facing intensifying pressure, both in the form of legal requirements and public sentiment, to reduce emissions from ships. Our alternative maritime power (AMP) technologies enable ports and shipping lines to meet this challenge,” says Erik Chiló, Cavotec regional manager for Northern Europe.

The event was intended to demonstrate how shore power can make ports cleaner and more cost effective. The Ystad installation incorporates four passenger ferry berths used by Polferries and Unity Line for sailings to Świnoujście in Poland.

Working closely with ABB and Processkontroll Elektriska, Cavotec supplied the cable management systems at Ystad that enable vessels to connect to the local electricity grid while docked, thus reducing particulate matter emissions and so improving air quality in the port and surrounding communities. Unity Lines’ ferry Skania was first to be connected, closely followed by Wawel of Polferries. The other six ferries regularly calling at Ystad are being equipped during 2013 and early 2014.

As well as Ystad, the ports of Stockholm, Gothenburg, Trelleborg and Karlskrona all use Cavotec AMP systems, Gothenburg and Stockholm having been online since the 1980s. The company says its shore power systems are increasingly being used on the US west coast, in Canada, in Europe and the Far East.

“Our solution with two independently operating frequencies for up to four ships simultaneously is in the absolute forefront and has created a stir in the industry,” said Björn Boström, managing director of Port of Ystad.