Wabtec says it has supplied the Port of Kiel with a sustainable shore power solution to support cruise operators. The company claims that its ShoreConnect system has potential to reduce nearly all emissions from cruise ships by providing shore power while berthing at the port.
“The installation of our ShoreConnect solution will advance the port’s sustainability efforts,” said Olivier Kompaore, VP of power collection for Wabtec. “A large cruise ship typically burns through 30,000 liters of diesel every 8-10 hours it spends at port. ShoreConnect provides cruise operators a clean, alternative power source while berthing, which reduces operating costs, emissions and noise.”
The company notes that its mobile carrier system is a flexible solution that connects electrical power to vessels at port, eliminating the need to use diesel by running a ship’s generator. This approach reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions drastically. It also provides an important reduction in noise and vibrations as the engines will be turned off while the vessels are connected.
“The Port of Kiel and the Port of Rostock are focused on running progressive, sustainable operations,” continued Kompaore. “These installations will position them to help address the required 40% reduction in CO2 emissions from ships by 2030 and support the local sulfur emission control area established in the Baltic region.”
The solution installed at the port consists of a single, 16MVA high-voltage, self-propelled connection system and a similar setup is also installed at Kiel’s ferry terminal.
