The container shipping industry is experiencing a significant shift towards environmental sustainability through the increased adoption of shore power, commonly known as ‘cold ironing.’
This practice allows docked vessels to connect to onshore electrical grids, thereby reducing emissions and reliance on auxiliary diesel engines.
Industry Adoption and Regulatory Drivers
Major ports worldwide are investing in shore power infrastructure to comply with stringent environmental regulations and to meet the growing demand from shipping companies aiming to lower their carbon footprints. For instance, the U.S. State of California mandated that by 2014, a percentage of ships calling at its ports must utilize shore power. The Port of Oakland implemented a High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) at 6,600 volts, with vessels like Hapag-Lloyd’s Dallas Express connecting to the system as early as December 2012. Initially, 15 Hapag-Lloyd ships were equipped to use this technology.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the environmental benefits, the widespread implementation of shore power faces several challenges:
- Electrical Compatibility: Ships vary in voltage and frequency requirements, ranging from 110 volts to 11 kilovolts, and operating at either 50Hz or 60Hz. This lack of standardization complicates the development of universal shore power systems.
- Infrastructure Investment: Upgrading port facilities to support shore power requires substantial financial investment. For example, the ports of Halifax and Brooklyn installed shore power systems at costs of $10 million and $20 million, respectively, with significant funding from government grants.
- Power Demand: The high peak power demand of vessels, such as 3 MW for a container ship and up to 13 MW for a cruise ship, poses challenges for local electrical grids and necessitates robust infrastructure.
Standardization Efforts
Efforts are underway to address these challenges through international standardization. The IEC/IEEE 80005-2 standard, published in 2016, provides guidelines for data communication via glass fiber in shore power systems, aiming to harmonize interfaces and ensure compatibility across different ports and vessels.
“Shore power isn’t just about plugging in — it’s about switching off harmful emissions, one port call at a time. It’s the clearest signal yet that shipping is serious about sustainability.”
— Port Sustainability Director, Rotterdam Port Authority
The container ship sector’s move towards shore power reflects a broader commitment to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. While challenges remain, ongoing investments and standardization efforts are paving the way for more widespread adoption, ultimately contributing to reduced emissions and improved air quality in port cities.
