Top News

• Sydney to Install Australia’s First Shore Power for Cruise Ships: The Port Authority of New South Wales will build Australia’s first shore power facility at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal. Construction, beginning by late 2024 and set for completion by 2026, will allow cruise ships to cut emissions by connecting to onshore electricity, reducing local emissions by over 4,000 tonnes annually. The AU$20 million project, supported by both state and federal governments, will mandate the use of shore power for compatible ships, positioning Sydney as a leader in sustainable port operations. Read more.

• Norwegian Offshore Vessels Shift to Hybrid Power: Simon Møkster Shipping and Rem Offshore are leading Norway’s shift towards hybrid-powered offshore support vessels (OSVs). By retrofitting with containerized energy storage systems, these companies aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Hybrid systems, using battery power in modes like peak shaving, offer significant emission reductions, especially during dynamic positioning operations. Norway, a pioneer in maritime battery use, is at the forefront of this green transformation, with these upgrades supporting the country’s ambitious climate goals.

• Antwerp’s Europa Terminal Goes Green with Shore Power: PSA Antwerp will equip the Europa Terminal with a 7.5 MW shore power system by 2026, enabling up to 100 ships yearly to reduce CO2 emissions by 10,000 tons. Supported by EU’s REpowerEU initiative, this €10 million project uses 100% green energy, marking Antwerp’s first container terminal to offer shore power. The installation is part of a broader terminal renovation for greater efficiency and sustainability.

• Push for EU-wide Tax Breaks on Clean Power: ESPO and FEPORT are urging the EU to mandate a tax exemption for onshore power supply (OPS) in the revised Energy Taxation Directive. They argue that this would encourage ships to use OPS, cutting emissions and aligning with the EU's 2030 green targets. The proposal would simplify tax exemptions across member states, boosting competitiveness and supporting the maritime sector’s energy transition.

• West Coast Leads Green Wave in Maritime Electrification: Maritime industries from Alaska to California are accelerating towards net-zero emissions, with ports and vessel operators deploying hybrid and fully electric technologies. From electric ferries in British Columbia to hybrid ferries in San Francisco, new vessels and upgraded infrastructure are cutting emissions. Washington State Ferries and other operators are converting fleets, while ports like San Diego pioneer all-electric tugboats, marking significant strides towards sustainable maritime transport.

• Watts Marine Reports Surge in US Shore Power Demand: Watts Marine, a leading provider of mobile cable positioning systems for cruise ships, recently commissioned a system at Seattle's Pier 66. With 11 installations across seven ports, the company anticipates a surge in demand for shore power solutions, forecasting 20 to 30 new systems in the coming years due to increased regulatory support and commitments from cruise lines to reduce emissions.