Emissions-focused electrification conference

Panel discussions at ‘Powering zero-emission marine transportation’ included zero emissions technologies for ports and vessels, with case studies and updates on the design of an all-electric RoPax vessel developed within the electrification in the eastern Mediterranean (elemed) project; the Port of Antwerp’s experience in implementing cold-ironing applications; available battery & power solutions; and Greek companies’ capacity to support the switch to greener marine transportation.

Delegates at the elemed project-organised event last month also heard from Ministry of Shipping, port authority and energy & cruise sector authority representatives, who underlined the challenges and opportunities for ports to accommodate electrification technologies in the second panel discussion on how ports could be transformed to emissions free energy hubs.

Insular ecosystem

The last panel discussion focused on the potential of the Greek Islands to develop a sustainable insular ecosystem with the exploitation of electrification technologies. The Orkney Islands’ experience of bridging renewable energy with marine transportation as well as strategies for supporting insular communities’ mobility and interconnections were at the forefront of the discussion.

Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy for Greece P. Kouroumplis additionally announced a plan for a committee to prepare the Greek regulatory framework for electrification in ports and ships.

The elemed project involves Cyprus, Greece and Slovenia and was set up to prepare for the introduction of cold ironing, electric bunkering and hybrid ships across the Eastern Mediterranean Sea corridor. It aims to study all technical, regulatory, safety and financial issues related to shore-produced electricity and electric propulsion for vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The project team has created a video detailing its work.