Port Electrification

What is electrification? The future of sustainable development and green energy

Electrification is a process of converting or using electricity as an energy source. The primary objective of electrification is often to replace traditional energy sources such as diesel, coal, or natural gas with cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, like solar, wind, hydroelectricity, or geothermal.

Why electrifying our installations?

Electrification has several advantages, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, in order to improve air quality. It also plays a crucial role in transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy. Indeed, the government has launched its low-carbon strategy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2030, and total decarbonization by 2050.

Focus: Electrification of our port areas

The electrification of ports allows to reduce pollution and cleaner quays. Rather than running their auxiliary engines on diesel to provide energy for port operations, ships can plug into the land-based electrical grid, thus reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

In France, the ports of Marseille and Le Havre were among the most polluted in Europe, according to a report by Transport & Environment. In 2022, the 218 cruise ships located in Europe emitted as much sulfur oxides (SOx) as one billion vehicles over the same period. To fight this pollution, the government has invested 30 million euros in the ports of Marseille, Toulon, and Nice to electrify ferry buses and mixed-use ships at quay. By 2025, cruise ships will also benefit from these investments.

This movement extends worldwide:

Many ports around the world have begun implementing electrification initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Here are some examples of ports that have adopted electrification:

Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach, United States: These two ports, located in California, have launched ambitious electrification programs to reduce emissions from ships, port equipment, and land transportation. They have invested in electrical power supply stations and other infrastructure to allow ships to connect to the land-based electrical grid during their port stays.

Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands: The Port of Rotterdam, one of Europe's largest ports, has also implemented electrification projects to reduce emissions from its port activities. They have invested in electrical infrastructures to allow ships to plug into the land-based electrical grid and have launched initiatives to promote the use of electricity and LNG (liquefied natural gas) as clean fuels for ships.

Port of Vancouver, Canada: The Port of Vancouver has implemented an electrification program aimed at reducing emissions from its port activities. They have installed electrical power supply stations along the docks to allow ships to plug into the land-based electrical grid, thus reducing their dependence on diesel engines.

Port of Gothenburg, Sweden: The Port of Gothenburg has launched electrification initiatives to reduce emissions from its port activities. They have invested in electrical infrastructure to allow ships to connect to the land-based electrical grid during their port stays, as well as in electrical equipment and handling vehicles.

These examples illustrate the growing commitment of ports worldwide to electrification to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change. By implementing these measures, the development of port electrification can play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution associated with port activities, thereby helping to make the world greener and cleaner.

Since 2017, Lapp Muller has stood out for its commitment to the environment by developing and offering innovative cables to power ships at quay, meeting the growing needs of increasingly energy-intensive and numerous ships. This technology aims to reduce pollution emitted by combustion engines by providing an energy alternative. When the ship docks, the goal is for it to stop using its engines and connect to the electrical grid using our cables.

STS-Flex™ is an innovative cable designed for quayside power supply and/or charging for any vessel. With a small diameter, STS-Flex™ has optimized weight and great flexibility, making it easy to handle. It is available for amperages from 125 to 350A but exists up to 1000A on request.

Bateaux de croisières : Marseille et Le Havre parmi les ports les plus pollués d’Europe – Transport Environment. (2023, 15 juin). Transport & Environment. https://www.transportenvironment.org/discover/bateaux-de-croisieres-marseille-et-le-havre-parmi-les-ports-les-plus-pollues-deurope/

Dewilder, N. C. É. P. M. (2019, 5 septembre). Pollution maritime : les ports de Marseille, Toulon et Nice passent à l’électrique. Europe 1. https://www.europe1.fr/politique/pollution-maritime-les-ports-de-marseille-toulon-et-nice-se-mettent-au-vert-3917899