The world is going green, and ports are no exception. One major challenge they face is reducing emissions from docked ships, which rely on diesel generators for power – equivalent to a small town, these generators create significant air and noise pollution.
The
good news? There's a solution: shore power. This
innovative technology allows docked ships to connect to the electrical grid,
eliminating the need for diesel generators.
Five
major European ports are leading the charge – Hamburg, Bremerhaven,
Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Le Havre – have committed to supplying shoreside
electricity to large container ships by 2028.
Shore
power offers a clear advantage: a globally recognized
standard with successful pilot programs already underway. However, some hurdles
remain, particularly encouraging adoption and addressing infrastructure
challenges.
The
Port of Hamburg is taking a pioneering step by installing the
world's first mobile shore power connection systems for container
ships by igus.
Why
mobile? Container terminals are a dynamic environment with ships
of various sizes docking in different positions. Traditional, fixed connection
points wouldn't work.
At
igus, we're proud to be developing ingenious solutions that push the boundaries
of green technology. Our expertise in energy chain systems led us to create the
world's first mobile shore power connection system for container ships.
This innovative system
incorporates knowledge from existing shore power installations for ferries,
floating storage units, offshore supply vessels, and even the largest working
vessels in Rotterdam. igus' industry-leading test lab was also a deciding
factor, allowing for thorough system functionality testing.
"Being part of this
lighthouse project is a great honour," says Martin Tiling, Shore Power
industry manager at igus. "We are proud to be at the forefront of green
innovation and confident that our ideas and technologies will continue to
contribute to a more climate-friendly future."
Flexible
Systems Conquer the Connection Challenge
No two ports are alike.
Tidal behaviour, terminal design, and equipment all vary. Container ships
equipped for shore power have cable drums that lower two connector cables onto
the quay. These connect to couplings on the quayside.
However, these cable
drums can be located anywhere on the ship – stern, amidships, port, or
starboard side. Combine this with varying ship sizes, and the connection point
becomes a complex puzzle.
The
answer lies in a flexible, mobile solution: the iMSPO (igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet) system. This
innovative system features a movable socket that travels along a 400-meter
section of quay (the length of the largest container ships), precisely reaching
the ship's connection point. The ship's cables simply need to be lowered and
connected to the movable socket – a simple and efficient solution.
The future of ports is
green, and shore power with innovative solutions like the iMSPO system is
leading the way.
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