By 2030, net greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by at least 55 percent. At least that is the European Union's “Fit for 55” target. Consequently, pressure is also mounting on European port operators to switch to greener technologies such as shore power. This is because ships normally generate the electricity they need while moored in port using diesel generators, which results in significant CO2 emissions. To avoid precisely this, cargo ships are to use shore power in the future. The challenge here is not only the supply of electricity itself, but also the fact that ships of different sizes and configurations dock at different positions along the port terminals, meaning that the connection area is constantly changing. Furthermore, the heavy cables can hardly be moved by muscle power. The Cologne-based plastics specialist igus has developed the igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO) to solve precisely this problem: The world's first portable “power outlet” that allows ships to be connected anywhere along the berth. An iMSPO system can cover an entire berth of 400 meters or more in length. In the future, the shore power will come to the ship and no longer the ship to the shore power. This gives port operators full flexibility while reducing operating, installation and maintenance costs.

Complete operational flexibility

“The connection system poses a major challenge for the terminal,” explains Martin Tiling, Head of Shore Power at igus. This is because the berths are usually highly frequented, since the throughput capacity is the decisive criterion for the profitability of a terminal. The correct berthing position of the ship for an optimal loading process is therefore crucial. Every day, flexible planning is carried out for the changing ships to ensure efficient loading and unloading. “Stationary shore connections on the quay limit the connection area, since the cable feed system on board is in changing positions and the extension length is limited,” says Tiling. ”With our iMSPO, we have developed a solution that can be mounted directly on the quay wall and does not cause any restrictions at the terminal. Rescue and escape routes and work areas remain free and the crane systems can move without restriction. We bring the shore connection to the ship without having to make operational concessions.”

Connect ship cables easily, quickly and safely

The iMSPO system consists of rail elements in which a movable carriage with a socket box is installed. An igus energy chain system ensures safe and reliable cable routing. The roller e-chain® used enables long travel distances with heavy cable packages. This is how it works: as soon as the ship is moored at the quay, the iMSPO is moved to the connection point. Then the connection process begins: the socket box is lowered and the protective cover swings open. The ship's cables can be connected directly and easily to the sockets. The protective cover of the socket box is then closed and locked to prevent access during operation and to ensure a safe power supply. The socket box then rises again so as not to obstruct the berth during power supply. All processes can be controlled via a single control element. Thanks to the international IEC80005-1 standard, it is ensured that the different types of ships in the various ports around the world can be safely supplied with shore power. This innovative solution for the electrification of ports was also recognized by the jury of the Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards, consisting of international journalists, consultants and industry experts, who named the iMSPO system as the 2024 Port Innovation of the Year. The jury said that with a one-time investment in the iMSPO system, port operators receive a flexible and cost-efficient solution that has proven itself over decades, so that they are well equipped for a green future for ports.

Video