ABB enables emission-free port visits

While docked in the Port of Marseille, the Paglia Orba, Jean Nicoli and Pascal Paoli ferries will use electricity for power at berth instead of running diesel-fuelled auxiliary engines. Each of the three vessels is being modified to feature ABB’s power compensation solution Dynacomp, which allows electricity available from the local grid in Marseille to be stepped down to 11KV for use by the vessels.

“ABB shore connection technology enables the type of emissions-free ship power that regulators, ports and local residents increasingly demand,” explained Ludovic Amouroux, project manager at Corsica Linea.

The project covers the supply and onboard installation of electrical, mechanical and automation systems together with a quayside custom-designed cable management system. Installation on the Paglia Orba is already underway with the remaining two ferries scheduled for the modification in 2020.

After France presented an impact assessment to the International Maritime Organisation in late 2018, momentum is building to designate the Mediterranean Sea an emissions control area where stricter controls are in place to minimise emissions from ships. The Port of Marseille is participating in the EU-funded CLIMEPORT greenhouse gas initiative, while Grand Port Maritime de Marseille has also built infrastructure at two berths to facilitate shoreside power connections.