Understanding Onshore Power Supply

Overview

Onshore Power Supply (OPS), also known as Cold Ironing or Alternate Marine Power (AMP) is a system conceived for supplying electrical power to ships at port. This allows the auxiliary engines to shut down thereby reducing air pollution and noise emissions. It is an increasingly important technology as ports and shipowners work to meet stringent environmental regulations and address urban pollution concerns.

OPS reduces CO2 emissions by over 57% during a ship’s stay at berth and offers long-term cost savings by lowering fuel consumption and maintenance expenses. In addition, grid reliability is also enhanced by stabilizing local electrical networks and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Operational Benefits

Emission and Noise Reduction: Various studies have indicated that OPS significantly cuts harmful emissions, including CO2, NOx, SOx, and particulate matter. Studies indicate a 20% reduction in CO2, 34% in NOx, and 30% in SOx when auxiliary engine use is curtailed. This improves air quality around the ports and helps ships comply with emission control regulations. Additionally, turning off auxiliary engines reduces noise pollution, benefiting dockworkers and nearby communities.

Cost Savings and Efficiency: Although OPS infrastructure requires high initial investment, long-term operational savings include reduced fuel costs and lower maintenance expenses due to decreased engine usage. Ports that implement OPS attract vessels seeking sustainable berthing options, improving their competitiveness.

Grid Reliability and Infrastructure Needs: OPS enhances grid reliability by providing frequency stability and ancillary services. Effective infrastructure planning is necessary to meet varying power demands, ranging from 2-4 MW for ferries to 8-12 MW for container ships. Coordination with utility providers is crucial for ensuring adequate infrastructure improvements.

Regulatory Benefits

Compliance with FuelEU Maritime Regulation: Effective January 1, 2025, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation mandates OPS and zero-emission technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Non-compliance could result in fines, detention, or port access restrictions, making OPS adoption essential for shipowners.

Sustainability and Market Positioning: By integrating OPS, shipowners enhance their reputation and competitiveness in a sustainability-driven industry. The regulation also encourages the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels alongside OPS, positioning companies favorably in a market prioritizing green practices.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Financial Support: Structured monitoring and reporting frameworks ensure transparency in energy usage and emissions tracking. Compliance with these standards streamlines adaptation to evolving regulations. Public funding opportunities can mitigate high initial capital costs, making OPS implementation more feasible for smaller operators.

Environmental Impact

OPS dramatically reduces air pollution from ships at berth, lowering NOx, SOx, and CO2 emissions. A study at the Port of Kaohsiung showed OPS could cut NOx emissions by 8.7% and SO2 by 11.74%, improving urban air quality. Renewable energy integration further amplifies environmental benefits, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 57.16%. Some UK ports reported a 25% to 92% reduction in various pollutants through OPS adoption.

Additionally, stricter emissions regulations, such as the European Parliament’s net-zero gas mandate for seaport authorities by 2030, emphasize the urgency of OPS adoption to align with sustainability goals.

Challenges and Considerations

Financial and Economic Barriers: OPS requires significant investment, necessitating public funding support. Reliable economic analyses for shipowners remain limited, creating uncertainty about long-term cost-effectiveness. Capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX) are crucial considerations in evaluating the feasibility of OPS implementation.

Technological and Infrastructure Challenges: Compatibility between existing vessels and OPS infrastructure is another issue that requires modifications on the ships side to integrate with shore power systems. The industry’s shift toward alternative fuels like hydrogen and ammonia necessitates additional infrastructure developments, complicating widespread OPS adoption.

Regulatory and Social Considerations: The maritime sector must navigate compliance complexities, ensuring equitable treatment of shipowners, port authorities, and fuel suppliers. Engaging local communities is essential to overcoming resistance and fostering support for OPS investments, particularly in renewable energy projects.

Case Studies: OPS in U.S. Ports

Several U.S. ports, including those in Galveston, Miami, and Philadelphia, are expanding OPS capabilities to service cruise and container ships. Currently, ten ports operate high-voltage shore power systems, with many others employing low-voltage systems for smaller vessels.

Regulatory Impact: The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) 2020 At-Berth Regulation has driven OPS expansion in six California ports. Compliance with these regulations also incentivize shipping companies to integrate shore power into their long-term operational strategies.

Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges: Currently, many of the ports lack adequate OPS infrastructure, and vessels are not equipped to accept shore power. Early collaboration amongst stakeholders—port authorities, shipowners, and technology providers—can ensure seamless integration of OPS in new vessel designs and port expansions. This is especially true with the case for OPS implementation on Tanker vessels wherein the terminals and shipowners need to invest substantially to meet the regulatory requirements.

Economic and Stakeholder Engagement: Strategic planning along with pooling agreements should help shipowners collectively meet emissions targets and share the OPS adoption costs. Collaborative approach will enhance compliance and economic feasibility while fostering industry-wide support for sustainable maritime operations.

Azolla’s Verdict

Onshore Power Supply (OPS) is a stepping stone in the wider electrification drive across the shipping industry. It provides substantial environmental, economic, and regulatory benefits by reducing emissions, lowering operational costs, and ensuring compliance with emerging regulations. As adoption grows, an increasing number of terminals and ports are acknowledging the inherent long-term advantages for both vessels and the shoreside. 

As this transition gains traction, major shipowners are already prioritizing AMP Container retrofits, driving up demand and, inevitably, the cost. For shipowners/ operators, earlier adoption not only ensures quicker ROI from a fleetwide compliance viewpoint but also secures access to available infrastructure and helps them leverage the financial incentives that come along.

You might also like to read-

• Green Fuels For Ships and Their Challenges
• Role of Seafarers in Maritime Decarbonization
• Why and How to Decarbonize the Marine Industry?
• Introduction To Methanol As A Sustainable Fuel For Ships
• Simplifying the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)
• Charting A Course for Shipping Decarbonisation: Key Outcomes and Analysis from MEPC 82
• Sustainability Certification for Marine Fuels
• Exploring Biofuels As A Potential Maritime Fuel of the Future
• Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) And Actionable Solutions for Shipping Industry
• Understanding Compliance Under Fuel EU Maritime
• How To Calculate Fuel EU Compliance Balance And Fuel EU Penalty?
• FuelEU Maritime Simplified Terminologies