In a ‘smart port’, when a ship docks, it is also plugged into an onshore energy supply, allowing electrical onboard functions to run while the diesel engine is shut off. This cuts out harmful emissions and reduces noise pollution in sensitive, often densely populated harbourside areas. In some circumstances, landside power supply can be used as ‘charge’ to replenish a shipboard energy storage system, with the resulting battery power available for short distance operations, whether for end-to-end ferries or for emissions-free propulsion in port or in protected waterways, for example.
To understand the value of shore connection in more tangible terms, it is helpful to compare the fuel consumption of a typical diesel-powered commuter ferry with that of a vessel modernised to draw on shore supply. If a conventional ferry consumed 84 litres of diesel fuel per hour, its battery-powered equivalent would, of course, consume zero. However, a ferry adapted to run on hybrid power could consume as little as 17l/h, depending on the operational profile.
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Mounting pressure from regulatory bodies and the general public to cut emissions in ports has driven shipping to consider shore power connection.
As a leader in electric shipping and smart port technology, ABB Marine & Ports offers comprehensive shore connection solutions comprising state-of-the-art infrastructure both onshore and onboard. Systems are compliant with international regulations and includes high- and medium-voltage switchgears, transformers, frequency converters, control and protection systems and more.
In conjunction with these solutions, ABB provides a wide range of services, such as remote monitoring, planned maintenance for ABB installed base and third party systems, system studies, project management and training, as well as round-the-clock access to its global support network.