Dock on: Container ships connect to electric power quickly with a mobile system by igus

The European Union’s “Fit for 55” goal is that net greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by at least 55% by 2030, creating pressure on industry, including port operators, to switch to greener technologies. Docking container ships often generate the electricity they need during their time in port from diesel generators, resulting in high levels of CO₂ emissions. To avoid this in the future, there is a push for ships to use shore power. What is challenging here is not only the electricity supply, but the fact that ships of different sizes and configurations dock in different positions along port terminals, and the connection area is therefore constantly changing. In addition, the heavy cables are extremely difficult to move by hand. Cable specialist igus® has developed the igus® Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO) for exactly this: the world’s first movable power supply that is used to connect ships at any point along the quay. An iMSPO system can cover a ship berth of over 400 metres in length, meaning that in future, shore power will come to the ship and not the other way round. This gives port operators full flexibility while reducing operating, installation and maintenance costs.

Complete operational flexibility

“The power connection system is a major challenge for the terminal,” says Justin Leonard, director of cables and e-chains at igus® UK. Berths are usually extremely busy because handling capacity is the decisive factor for the terminal’s profitability. The correct docking position of the ship for optimal power supply is therefore crucial. Every day, the terminal capacity is planned for efficient loading and unloading of multiple ships.

“Stationary shore connections on the quay limit the connection area, as the cable feed system on board is located in different places for different ships and the extension length is limited,” says Leonard. “Our iMSPO is a solution that can be mounted directly on the quayside and removes any restrictions on the terminal. Rescue routes, escape routes and work areas remain clear and the crane systems can move without restrictions. We bring the shore connection to the ship without having to make operational concessions.”