Dear readers you are now more than 200, a huge thank you! In this edition you will discover more about the hybrid-electric concept that is developing across various segments and the progress being made by numerous ports. Enjoy!

Top News

• California's hybrid-electric sampling vessel set for 2027: ABB and All American Marine are developing a 63-foot hybrid-electric sampling catamaran for the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San). Designed to support ocean health monitoring along the California coast, this vessel will rely on ABB’s propulsion system to meet zero-emission standards and optimize energy efficiency, as per the California Air Resources Board requirements. Expected in 2027, it underscores OC San's commitment to sustainable water safety and ABB’s role in maritime decarbonization. READ MORE

• When shore power backfires in polluted ports: In regions powered by coal, like parts of Asia, requiring cruise ships to use shore power could result in more pollution than if the vessels generated their own power onboard. Clean sources, such as hydropower, make shore power beneficial, but in coal-dependent areas, it often proves environmentally counterproductive. Industry leaders argue that shore power mandates only make sense when grids rely on renewable sources, a shift that some areas are still working towards. READ MORE

• Boost for greener shipping at Port of Quebec: The Canadian government has announced a C$22.5 million grant to bring shore power to the Port of Quebec, funding dock electrification for Fednav’s cargo vessels. Part of Canada’s Green Shipping Corridor Program, this initiative aims to reduce emissions along the St. Lawrence Seaway, enhancing the region’s environmental appeal. The Port of Quebec is also seeking additional funds to electrify more docks, targeting a 40% emissions reduction by 2035 and positioning itself as a leader in sustainable maritime operations. READ MORE

• Northern Europe Ramps Up Shore Power: With €18.8 million in EU funding, the ports of Aarhus, Gothenburg, Bremerhaven, and Stockholm will supply onshore power for container ships by 2030, aligning with EU mandates for emissions reductions. Shore power enables vessels to use grid electricity rather than diesel, reducing pollutants and benefiting port workers' health and safety. Stockholm’s Norvik Port will start offering green electricity to ships by 2027, leveraging infrastructure built during its 2020 opening. READ MORE

• Battery-Electric Ships: Feasible by 2035? A new Berkeley Lab study suggests that retrofitting the U.S. shipping fleet to battery-electric systems could be cost-effective and reduce greenhouse emissions significantly by 2035. Analyzing smaller U.S.-flagged vessels, the study found that optimizing battery sizes and electrifying up to 85% of ships could lead to a 34-73% emissions cut, especially if power grids decarbonize. READ MORE

• Hybrid Vessels Lead CTV Innovation: Hybrid propulsion, blending batteries and alternative fuels, is shaping the future of crew transfer vessels (CTVs) by reducing emissions and paving the way for green operations. Experts discuss the appeal of methanol and hydrogen, while exploring regulatory and infrastructure challenges. READ MORE