Shore Power and Cold Ironing for Ships

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Shore power, or cold ironing, refers to the provision of electricity from shore-based power grids to ships at berth, enabling them to switch off their auxiliary engines, which are typically powered by diesel fuel. This process eliminates emissions from the ship’s engines while docked, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution in port areas.

Impact on climate action

Shore Power and Cold Ironing drastically reduce emissions from maritime vessels by enabling them to connect to onshore power sources while docked, eliminating the need for onboard generators. This innovation significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable marine transportation sector, crucial for climate action.

Underlying
Technology

  • Electrical Infrastructure: Shore power systems require specialized electrical infrastructure at ports, including high-voltage connections, transformers, and switchgear to supply power to vessels.
  • Compatibility Standards: Standardized connectors and voltage levels are crucial to ensure compatibility between shore-based power systems and ships’ electrical systems.
  • Frequency Conversion: Differences in electrical frequency between the shore grid and ship systems often require frequency converters to ensure compatibility.
  • Grid Management: Integrating shore power into the local electricity grid requires careful planning and grid management to ensure stable and reliable power supply.

TRL : 9


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Automated Connection Systems: Robotic arms or automated systems are being developed to facilitate faster and more efficient connection of ships to shore power facilities.
  • High-Power Shore Connection Systems: Innovations in high-power connections are enabling larger vessels, such as cruise ships and container ships, to utilize shore power.
  • Mobile Shore Power Units: Portable shore power units are being developed to provide flexibility in supplying power to ships at berths without fixed infrastructure.
  • Integration with Smart Grids: Smart grid technologies can optimize the integration of shore power into the local electricity grid, ensuring grid stability and efficient energy management.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Shore-Based Electricity Provision
  • Auxiliary Engine Shutdown Solutions
  • Emission Reduction at Berth
  • Noise Pollution Mitigation Strategies
  • Specialized Port Electrical Infrastructure
  • Standardized Connector Development
  • Voltage Level Compatibility Solutions
  • Frequency Conversion Techniques
  • Grid Integration Planning
  • Stable Power Supply Assurance
  • Automated Connection Technologies
  • Efficient Ship-to-Shore Power Transfer
  • High-Power Connection Innovations
  • Portable Shore Power Unit Development
  • Flexibility in Berth Power Supply
  • Smart Grid Integration for Shore Power
  • Grid Stability Optimization Techniques
  • Efficient Energy Management Solutions
  • Sustainable Port Operations

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  • Schneider Electric:
    • Technology Enhancements: Schneider Electric is a leader in energy management and automation solutions. In the context of shore power and cold ironing, they likely provide advanced electrical infrastructure and control systems to enable vessels to connect to onshore power grids while docked, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
    • Uniqueness: Schneider Electric may stand out for its comprehensive approach to shore power solutions, offering not only the hardware for power connection but also integrated software solutions for monitoring, control, and optimization of energy usage.
    • End-User Segments: Their target segments may include ports, shipping companies, and cruise lines looking to reduce their environmental footprint and comply with increasingly stringent regulations on emissions.
  • Cavotec:
    • Technology Enhancements: Cavotec specializes in innovative engineering solutions for the maritime industry, including shore power systems (cold ironing). Their technologies likely include advanced electrical connection systems, automated mooring solutions, and energy management systems tailored for ports and vessels.
    • Uniqueness: Cavotec may differentiate itself through its focus on holistic port electrification solutions, integrating shore power with other sustainable technologies such as automated mooring systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
    • End-User Segments: They likely target port operators, shipowners, and terminal operators seeking to enhance operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and comply with environmental regulations.
  • Stemmann-Technik:
    • Technology Enhancements: Stemmann-Technik specializes in power and data transmission systems, including solutions for shore power and cold ironing. Their offerings may include innovative cable management systems, connectors, and transfer systems designed to facilitate efficient and reliable power transfer between shore infrastructure and vessels.
    • Uniqueness: Stemmann-Technik might differentiate itself through its expertise in engineering customized solutions for specific port layouts and vessel types, ensuring seamless and safe power connections regardless of environmental conditions or operational requirements.
    • End-User Segments: Their target segments could include port authorities, shipyards, and marine engineering firms seeking reliable and high-performance shore power solutions tailored to their specific needs and constraints.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  • Technical University of Delft:
    • Technology Enhancements: Researchers at TU Delft are enhancing shore power and cold ironing technologies by integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power into port infrastructure. They are developing advanced power management systems to efficiently distribute clean energy to ships docked at ports, reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
    • Uniqueness of Research: TU Delft’s approach involves a holistic optimization of port operations and energy systems to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. They are exploring innovative solutions such as dynamic charging systems and energy storage technologies to overcome the challenges associated with intermittent renewable energy sources.
    • End-use Applications: The research at TU Delft has implications for port authorities, shipping companies, and policymakers seeking to decarbonize the maritime sector. By adopting shore power and cold ironing technologies, ports can become hubs of sustainable maritime transportation, attracting eco-conscious shipping companies and reducing air pollution in coastal areas.
  • Chalmers University of Technology:
    • Technology Enhancements: Researchers at Chalmers University are developing advanced electrification technologies for marine vessels to enable seamless integration with shore power systems. They are designing efficient onboard power distribution systems and energy storage solutions to optimize the use of shore-based electricity while minimizing emissions during port stays.
    • Uniqueness of Research: Chalmers’ research focuses on the electrification of different types of vessels, including ferries, cruise ships, and container ships, to address the unique challenges and requirements of each maritime segment. They are exploring innovative propulsion systems such as hybrid and fully electric propulsion to achieve zero-emission operations in ports and coastal areas.
    • End-use Applications: The research at Chalmers has practical applications for shipyards, ship operators, and regulatory bodies involved in the maritime industry. By transitioning to shore power and cold ironing technologies, shipping companies can comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations while reducing operating costs and improving their environmental footprint.
  • University of California, Berkeley:
    • Technology Enhancements: Researchers at UC Berkeley are leveraging data analytics and optimization techniques to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of shore power and cold ironing systems. They are developing predictive models and decision support tools to optimize energy consumption, minimize downtime, and maximize the utilization of renewable energy sources in port operations.
    • Uniqueness of Research: UC Berkeley’s research integrates principles of sustainability, resilience, and equity into the design and implementation of low-carbon marine technologies. They are exploring innovative approaches such as community-based microgrids and decentralized energy systems to empower local communities and enhance the resilience of port infrastructure against climate change impacts.
    • End-use Applications: The research at UC Berkeley has broad implications for port stakeholders, including port authorities, terminal operators, and shipping companies. By embracing shore power and cold ironing technologies, ports can become more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Shore power is already widely implemented at ports globally, particularly in regions with strict environmental regulations, such as California and Europe. A growing number of ports are investing in shore power infrastructure, and several shipping companies are equipping their vessels with shore connection capabilities. For example, the Port of Los Angeles requires all container ships calling at its terminals to utilize shore power, resulting in significant reductions in emissions.



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