- The EU-funded EU.OPS.Network project, supported by €18.8 million, will enable key Northern European ports to provide onshore power supply (OPS) for containerships by 2030.
- The initiative targets substantial reductions in CO₂ and nitrogen oxide emissions from moored container vessels.
- Ports involved include Aarhus, Gothenburg, Bremerhaven, and Stockholm, all crucial hubs aiming to reduce the shipping industry’s environmental impact.
- Stockholm Norvik Port’s investment in OPS is part of a larger commitment to sustainable practices and aligns with upcoming EU regulations on emission reduction.
According to Offshore Energy, a transformative €18.8 million grant from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) will help fund the EU.OPS.Network project, a collaborative effort among Northern Europe’s leading ports—Aarhus, Gothenburg, Bremerhaven, and Stockholm—to introduce onshore power supply (OPS) for container ships. By 2030, OPS technology at these ports is expected to significantly reduce both CO₂ and nitrogen oxide emissions from moored containerships, a key source of air pollution in port areas.
Collaborative Green Efforts in Northern Europe
Anne Zachariassen, COO of the Port of Aarhus and project coordinator, underscored the importance of this collaboration as Northern Europe’s busiest ports join forces in addressing the shipping sector’s climate impact. By embracing OPS, these ports aim to be global leaders in sustainable shipping, committing to a meaningful reduction in the industry’s environmental footprint and marking a critical step toward green maritime operations.
Aligning with EU Regulations for 2030
This initiative also prepares the ports for upcoming EU regulations, effective in 2030, which will require ships over 5,000 gross tons to connect to OPS while docked. By switching from diesel-generated onboard power to electricity from the grid, ships can achieve lower emissions and cleaner air, resulting in a smaller climate footprint and healthier environments around ports.
Stockholm Norvik Port’s Role in the EU.OPS.Network Project
Ports of Stockholm, as part of the EU.OPS.Network project, will connect container vessels to renewable electricity at Stockholm Norvik Port by 2027. Opened in 2023, the port was designed with OPS in mind, laying the groundwork for a seamless adoption of the technology. This development includes a mobile power dispenser that will cover two berths, available to all shipping companies on equal terms. Johan Wallén, Marketing and Sales Manager at Ports of Stockholm, emphasized the importance of this investment in establishing Stockholm Norvik as a modern, sustainable cargo hub.
Stockholm’s Broader Commitment to Onshore Power
This OPS expansion is a part of Stockholm’s wider environmental strategy, highlighted by Sweden’s first onshore power connection for international cruise ships, recently inaugurated. This achievement further enhances Stockholm’s standing as a sustainable destination and aligns with the EU’s commitment to reducing emissions across transportation sectors.
Advancing Towards the EU’s “Fit for 55” Climate Goal
Stockholm’s investments in OPS contribute directly to the EU’s “Fit for 55” initiative, aiming for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Through the electrification of port facilities and dedicated sustainable practices, Ports of Stockholm and the other EU.OPS.Network partners exemplify Europe’s proactive approach in the global green maritime transition.
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Source: Offshore Energy
