Offshore plug-in proposed for Panama Canal

Maersk’s offshore vessel-charging venture Stillstrom and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will jointly explore offshore power charging technology for vessels stationed in and around the canal.

PHOTO: A cruise liner approaching the first of the Panama Canal Locks, Gatun Lock, early in the morning. Getty Images

For ships awaiting transit or at anchor near landfall, the offshore charging technology will allow drawing power from a stationary offshore unit, eliminating the need to burn fossil fuels while waiting in line. 

The Panama Canal handles around 14,000 vessels annually, making it a key shipping route.

Shore-to-ship power or “cold ironing” is an electrical power supply provided to ships. Instead of running the engines onboard to power the essential systems while docked at ports, shore power facilities allow ships to connect to the local electrical grid.  

Stillstrom and the Panama Canal Authority will also conduct a joint feasibility study to assess the potential for offshore charging facilities in the region.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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