Shipping executives at the European Shipping Summit’s “Shore Power offers promising carbon cuts – are we on track?” seminar emphasized the importance of onshore power supply for advancing battery-powered propulsion and maritime decarbonization. They advocated for increased funding to expand shore power infrastructure. The seminar, held in Brussels on March 19th, was jointly organized by Interferry and CLIA, reports InterFerry.
Updated Funding Models
A panel discussion, led by Claes Berglund, focused on the need for updated funding models for ferry electrification.
Key participants included Isabelle Ryckbost (ESPO), Inesa Ulichina (Transport & Environment), and Jørgen Bjerre (European Commission), alongside policymakers and ferry industry leaders.
Executives argued that current funding often only covers Onshore Power Supply (OPS) connections at berths, neglecting the need for ferries to charge onboard batteries for electric propulsion during voyages.
They called for a broader funding approach, encompassing the entire energy supply chain from power plants to ports, including port electrical grid and infrastructure upgrades.
Johan Roos, Interferry’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, emphasized the importance of OPS infrastructure for ferry energy transition, supporting battery technology and reducing alternative fuel reliance.
He stressed that focusing solely on vessel connections overlooks the need for robust power supply to charge propulsion batteries, hindering the full potential of OPS.
Roos also highlighted the need for a more cohesive energy infrastructure view in industrialized nations, including electric transportation and shipping.
He advocated for allocating funds to upgrade entire port infrastructures, with EU member states leading the way as a global benchmark.
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Source: Interferry
