ABS-led consortium to develop offshore power supply barge

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has joined the EU’s BlueBARGE Project to support the development of an offshore power supply barge.

PHOTO: Electric sockets for charging ships in the harbour on a pier near the sea coast. Getty Images

The BlueBARGE project aims to develop a barge that supplies electrical shore power, also known as cold ironing, to vessels in ports where shore power supply is limited or unavailable. This will enable vessels to turn off their main engines and use electricity from the barge to power necessary onboard equipment.

In this way, the barge aims to reduce emissions and noise pollution around the port area by providing electricity to vessels. 

ABS will support the consortium in safety, classification and regulatory compliance for the power supply barge. 

The European Union’s BlueBARGE project was launched in January. The three-year project involves 14 partners from ten European countries and has received funding of €11 million ($11.82 million) from the EU. 

By Manjula Nair  

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online