Barcelona pilots shore power system
The port of Barcelona has made a significant step towards decarbonisation by successfully connecting the “MSC Mette”, a 24,000-teu container ship, to the onshore power supply (OPS) system at the Best terminal, allowing the ship to shut off its engines and operate entirely on renewable energy for three days.
Completed in August 2024, the OPS comprises cable management system that enables efficient connections without interfering with port operations. This first test provided 103,200 kWh of power and validated the system’s ability to synchronise with the ship’s electrical needs.
The OPS is part of the Nexigen plan to electrify Barcelona’s main wharves by 2030, with a EUR 200 million investment to reduce emissions. The pilot phase will gather data to inform future expansions, including OPS systems for ferry and cruise terminals, as part of ongoing efforts to make port operations more sustainable. (pb)