Energy Supply Systems For Shore Power Supply

Sustainable shore power supply systems at ports for ships

Shore power, also known as cold ironing, is becoming increasingly essential as environmental awareness grows and regulations become tighter. Harbours worldwide are adopting cleaner technologies to reduce air pollution, noise, and vibrations. Our customised energy supply systems ensure ships receive efficient shore power while complying with international standards, including IEC 80005-1 for medium-voltage and IEC 80005-3 for low-voltage.

Every port operates under unique conditions, varying tides, terminal designs, and vessel requirements demand flexible solutions. Shore power connections must integrate seamlessly into these dynamic environments without disrupting operations. With years of experience in cable management for maritime applications, igus® provides expert guidance, installation support, and ongoing service to keep ports running efficiently.

Reliable CAN bus cables for shore power applications

Reliable communication is essential for modern shore power systems, and igus® chainflex® CAN bus cables are designed to deliver just that. Engineered for continuous flexing in demanding environments, these cables ensure consistent data transmission, reduce downtime, and extend service life, even under constant movement. Discover how igus supports safe, efficient shore power connections with durable, high-performance cable solutions.

Shop now

Browse energy supply systems for shore power supply

Long travels for mobile SPO

Travels of 450m and more possible
Proven technology, longer service life, cost-efficient
Modular design

Learn more

Shore power motorised cable drum

Slipring-free system
Resistant to seawater, cold, heat and vibrations
Low-maintenance and easy to inspect
Offers direct, uninterrupted cable guidance

Learn more

Mobile SPO e-chain® reel

Flexibility for existing and new shore power connections
Protected cable guidance
Increases safety and durability

Learn more

E-dispenser for shore power supply

Modular and compact system
Time-saving, semi-automated connection of the power supply
No exhaust gases, no noise, high level of safety

Learn more

Offshore energy chains

Shore power connection for LNG Power Barge

Durable, robust and yet flexible
Optimised for installation, inspection and maintenance
Resistant to corrosion, seawater, oil and UV

Learn more

Modular e-loop energy chain system

Alternative to service loops
Can be opened and closed as required
All parts are individually replaceable
Simple maintenance

Learn more

readychain® in shore power connections

Use of a customised energy chain: e-spool®
Ships are to be supplied with shore power in the harbour in order to be able to switch off the auxiliary diesel generators on board and thus protect the environment. To do this, the ships must be connected to a cable supply system via a standardised plug connection.

A reliable, robust and flexible shore power supply system from igus® is used at the highly frequented Mongstad offshore base in Norway.
A pre-assembled e-spool® is integrated into a three metre long container that can be handled by the forklift to position the system along the various berths.
In addition, the container protects the system from the harsh environment and the effects of harbour operations. The readychain® system is a slip-ring free solution. All cables are hard-wired, which in turn reduces maintenance costs.

Go to the application example

e-spool shore power

Shore power cable drum without slip ring

e-spool shore power is a slip ring-free cable drum, e.g. for supplying shore power to container ships. A patented rotary module replaces the slip ring and reduces maintenance and susceptibility to faults. The system significantly increases operational safety and ensures a reliable energy supply.

Enquire about e-spool shore power now

Tech up

Rotary module instead of slip ring susceptible to corrosion ensures high operational reliability in a maritime environment

Cost down

Particularly low-maintenance and easy-to-maintain system

Proof

Tested in the igus laboratory

Sustainability

Contact points and sliding contacts no longer require replacement/maintenance

How to install a safe shore power supply

Installing a safe shore power supply is essential for modern ports seeking to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and ensure reliable energy delivery to vessels at berth. In this video, igus® demonstrates an innovative, practical approach using a modular cable management system.

It highlights how a smart, modular shore power solution can be installed quickly and safely, combining automated cable handling with robust energy chain technology to ensure dependable power delivery while supporting sustainability goals and regulatory compliance.

Mobile shore power system for container terminals

Tech up, cost down finally, a solution to deliver your shore power to your ships and not the ships to your shore power. Connect every ship at any location along the entire berth with a single self-propelled socket. Get full flexibility while reducing installation and maintenance costs.

Find out more about the system during a live demonstration at our test site together with our industry expert.

Contact an expert now

Connection solutions - offshore and LNG terminals

Offshore terminals and ships place high demands on the flexibility and reliability of energy chain solutions, particularly in extreme weather conditions and with changing berthing positions. LNG terminals, in particular, require robust, low-maintenance shore power systems that can withstand long distances, harsh environments, and the need for constant operational readiness, making OSC energy chain an ideal solution.

Both applications require systems capable of compensating for movement caused by tides, wind, and waves, while also incorporating reliable emergency mechanisms.

Shore power supply applications and success stories with igus®

Industry: Shore power supply

3,000 shore power connections per year with flexible energy supply systems

What was needed?
readychain harnessed energy chain, realised as an e-spool with twisterchain technology for supplying offshore supply vessels (OSV) with shore power.

Requirements:
Robust, low-maintenance system that can withstand the harsh environmental conditions of an offshore base.

Success for the customer:
Reliable service with over 3,000 shore power connections per year.

Learn more

Industry: Shipping

Shore-side power supply of FSU/FSRU at Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal (LNG)

What was needed?
Heavy-duty energy chain for the offshore sector. Emergency shutdown system.

Requirements:
Flexible energy supply due to the FSU often being in motion, harsh environmental conditions required an emergency shutdown function for the entire system.

Success for the customer:
State-of-the-art energy supply solution, low-maintenance and safe despite difficult environmental conditions.

Learn more

Industry: Shore power

Revolution in shore power supply for cruise ships

What was needed?
Cable carrier system, iglidur ®plain bearing

Requirements:
Tide, wave formation and barging movement, IEC 80005, weather influences.

Success for the customer:
Cable carrier system developed by igus® with maritime acceptance, maintenance-free system thanks to plain bearings.

Learn more

Use at container terminals

The handling capacity at the quay wall determines whether the terminal is profitable. With daily arrivals and departures, flexible planning of the ships' berthing positions is therefore absolutely essential.

As the cable management system on board the vessel can be located in various places and the maximum extension length is limited (35-55m), stationary shore connections on the quay restrict the connection area. The igus mobile SPO technology offers flexibility for your terminal and helps you save costs.

Solutions for shore power supply on board

For container shipping, the IEC 80005-1 standard states that the cable feed system be installed on the ship. Container ships sail on all the world's seas, braving wind and weather in the harshest conditions.
The cable management system is carried on board, either as a semi-mobile system in a 40'HC container in a container space near the stern of the ship or as a permanently installed system usually located amidships, depending on the position of the engine room.
The igus e-spool offers the necessary specifications, is flexible to use and requires little maintenance.

Special requirements in offshore and LNG areas

Offshore terminals and ships place high demands on the flexibility and reliability of energy chain solutions, especially in combination with extreme weather conditions and changing berthing positions. LNG terminals, on the other hand, require robust and low-maintenance shore power supply solutions that can cope with the challenges of long distances, harsh environmental conditions and constant operational readiness, for which the OSC energy supply system is ideal. Both areas need systems that can compensate for movements due to tides, wind and waves and implement emergency mechanisms. Such a system can also be found in our user report on the FSU in Bahrain.