Cruise ships rapidly adopting shore power - CLIA
The number of cruise ships equipped with shore power has risen by 23% from the previous year, reaching 147 ships so far this year, according to the annual report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
PHOTO: Ship attached to shore power unit. Rostock-Warnemünd
The report is based on data provided by CLIA member cruise lines, covering a fleet size of 303 ships. At 147, the number of shore power-enabled ships has increased significantly by 167% since 2018, when it was 55 ships.
Shore power, also known as "cold ironing," provides electrical power to ships while they are docked at ports. This allows the ships to connect to the local electrical grid and turn off their engines, helping to reduce emissions and noise pollution at the port.
Growing number of ships and ports with shore power capabilities
CLIA expects 239 ships to be equipped with Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems by 2038, based on plans to retrofit existing ships and build new ones with OPS connectivity.
Currently, fewer than 3% of ports worldwide that serve cruise ships (35 ports) have shore power facilities available. However, 22 additional cruise ports have secured funding for OPS infrastructure, and 16 more are planning to install it.
The industry association emphasises that expanding onshore power infrastructure is a crucial step in reducing emissions and advocates for cost-effective solutions that provide clean shoreside electricity when it leads to an overall reduction in emissions.
Shore power gaining momentum
Shore power has been gaining traction across ports and ship operators globally because it helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while a ship is berthed.
This month, terminal operator Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) collaborated with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP) to equip its container terminals with shore power capabilities. Last month, the Washington State Department of Transportation awarded a total of $26.5 million to 11 Washington ports.
By Tuhin Roy
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