Ships berthed at port still need power in order to keep on receiving energy for transfer pumps, refrigerating systems, illumination or emergency systems. In order to do so, HFO is consumed in auxiliary engines, subsequently releasing harmful gases. OPS – Onshore Power Supply is a more ecological suggestion which plugs directly the ship to the power grid.
PROBLEM
HFO consumption means Nitrogen and Sulfur oxides, Carbon dioxide and particles emissions into the port atmosphere, which in many cases is integrated within highly populated cities.
WHO
This means environmental and people’s health damage, since this elements have been directly related to cardiopulmonary diseases.
WHAT
OPS eliminates those harmful elements by means of direct power connection between the power grid and the ship itself. The main downside and reason of its low implementation worldwide is the initial investment to carry the grid into the berth and the reception system the ships require.
HOW
Equipment and solution may change for each case: Frecuency supplied can be both 60 Hz or 50 Hz; regarding voltage, generally OPS systems operate with either high or low voltages (for more information about specifications for each type of vessel, please click here). However, steps to follow are always quite the same: national power grid supply connection, energy reconditioning, wires management and dock-ship connection and reception.
OUTPUT
Studies made by Inova show emissions reduction by 96% of NOx, 36% of SOx, 68% of particles and 45% of CO2. As long as renewable energies continue to grow, so will do these percentages.
MORE
- In Spain the only OPS implementation is in Melilla.
- Check out this short video about Landstrom Altona OPS at Harmburg Port.
- Energy Transition Business Area at Inova´s.
