Access to onshore power supply for ferries and ships is crucial for the further development and implementation of sustainable battery-based propulsion, and ultimately the de-carbonisation of the maritime sector.
Shipping executives at Interferry’s European Shipping Summit’s side seminar ‘Shore Power offers promising carbon cuts – are we on track?’ called for a significant expansion of funding for shore power infrastructure.
The seminar, co-hosted by Interferry and CLIA, took place on 19th March in Brussels.
Moderated by Claes Berglund of Stena, the panel included, Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of ESPO, Inesa Ulichina, Sustainable Shipping Officer at Transport & Environment and Jørgen Bjerre of the European Commission.
Speakers stressed that current funding models often focused solely on the onshore power supply (OPS) connection at the berth, underplaying the importance for ferries to be able to charge their on board batteries for electric drive on their crossings.
They argued for a shift in focus, including funding for the entire energy supply chain from the power plant to the port and investment in the port’s electrical grid and overall energy infrastructure.
“This is a very important discussion,” said Johan Roos, Interferry’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.
“Investment in OPS infrastructure is key to the energy transition of European and worldwide ferry operations, supporting the adoption of battery technology and reducing reliance on limited resources of alternative fuels.
“Focusing only on the vessel in port misses the bigger picture. We need robust power supply to charge the propulsion batteries on the ships, so that we can tap into the full technological potential of OPS.
“The energy infrastructure in many industrialised countries needs a more coherent view, and this includes the importance of electric transportation and shipping.
“Funds must be allocated to upgrade the entire port infrastructure, and member states of the European Union can lead the way here and set the benchmark for global development,” he stressed.
Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan (pictured) emphasised the organisation’s commitment, “The ferry industry is a driver in the development of sustainable propulsion solutions for the entire shipping industry, as we can see from the large number of projects and investments made by our member companies.
“Shore power is a cornerstone of our industry’s de-carbonisation efforts, and we must ensure that funding supports the full scope of infrastructure needs. We need a holistic approach to achieve meaningful carbon reductions,” he said.
Interferry advocated for regulatory frameworks that recognise the unique operational requirements of ferry shipping. The association said it believed that strategic investment in shore power and port energy infrastructure is essential for a sustainable maritime future.
Interferry has consultative status at the IMO and similar influence at the European Union, as well as many other maritime governance authorities.
With membership exceeding 280 companies and representing more than 2,200 individuals in more than 40 countries, its primary purposes are to represent the ferry industry on regulatory and policy matters, including safety and sustainability; to speak on behalf of the worldwide ferry sector, which provides transport for over 4 bill passengers and 370 mill vehicles annually; and to facilitate networking and communications among its members.
