4 FAQs about Shore power storage system

What is shore power?

Shore power refers to the possibility for a ship to plug in to an onshore electricity grid when in port. With shore power, the vessel does not have to use its auxiliary engines to generate power. This decreases emissions and noise. Shore power can also be used to charge the energy storage system on board the ship. shore power connection.

How many ports have a shore power system?

Additionally, ports have seen an increase in the number of vessels that are equipped with shore power. There are currently ten ports using high voltage systems serving cruise, container and refrigerated (“reefer”) vessels, and many more ports that use low voltage systems, serving tugs, fishing, and offshore support vessels.

How does shore power work on a ship?

On the ship an incoming panel is placed in a confined room, where the operator connects the ship to shore power. The power is often via a transformer (if ship grid is low voltage) connected to the main switchboard. The Wärtsilä shore power control system and built in safety features ensures safe and seamless operation.

What is a shore power generator?

These generators may be powered by diesel or renewable energy sources such as wind or solar. Shore power saves consumption of fuel that would otherwise be used to power vessels while in port, and eliminates the air pollution associated with consumption of that fuel. A port city may have anti-idling laws that require ships to use shore power.

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