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Shore Power Systems: Decarbonizing Port Operations
As global shipping expands and sustainability takes center stage, shore power has emerged as a practical solution for reducing emissions from docked vessels. Also known as cold ironing or alternative marine power (AMP), shore power enables ships to plug into the local electrical grid while berthed, allowing them to turn off their diesel engines that would otherwise run continuously to power onboard systems.
The shipping industry, though vital for global trade, is a significant contributor to air pollution, especially in coastal and port cities. Vessels at berth often burn marine diesel or heavy fuel oil to maintain critical systems like refrigeration, lighting, communications, and climate control. These emissions contribute to elevated levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and particulate matter—pollutants that affect both environmental and public health.
Shore power addresses this challenge by enabling ships to connect to the onshore electric grid, drawing cleaner electricity—especially in…