The implementation of shore power is one of the main challenges for ports tackling emissions at berth and in surrounding anchorages.
Speaking exclusively to GreenPort’s sister magazine, Port Strategy at TOC Europe, Gustavo Miller, division president of ports and maritime at Cavotec, said shore power doesn’t currently represent a good return on investment for terminals and more support from either port authorities or the government is needed to progress with it.
“We’d probably see a little bit more justification if the oil price continued to increase but ROI is still one of the challenges,” Mr Miller said.
“We still need subsidies and support from either the port authorities or the government to make it happen.”
Cautious outlook
Despite his cautious outlook, Mr Miller stated that the introduction of environmental regulations in Europe and Asia was a positive sign and would “provide a good and strong push in the next few years.”
He said: “We have seen in the last few years a very good increase in activity and interest from the ports. What started in Los Angeles on the west coast is now spreading out to the rest of the world. Europe – and China has been very active.”
Regardless of the challenges to implementation, shore power is a straightforward and cost-effective technology that “has a great future,” he added.
Source: Greenport