EU funding for HAROPA’s shore power strategy

The funding comes from the European Commission’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), making HAROPA Port the only entity selected to electrify both maritime and inland port shore power infrastructure.

“From the seafront in Le Havre to the heart of the Paris metropolitan area, our goal is to transform the ports and the Seine corridor into powerful drivers of energy transition,” said Benoît Rochet, CEO of HAROPA Port.

“Thanks to this European funding, we are more committed than ever to meeting our 2030 objectives.”

Onshore power

The investment will support the rollout of ShoreLink onshore power supply systems for container ships, inland freight vessels, cruise ships and passenger boats, enabling them to plug into the local grid and switch off engines while berthed.

This shift to alternative fuels and clean electricity will cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, while also reducing noise and improving air quality for nearby urban areas.

The project strengthens the Seine corridor’s position as one of Europe’s most advanced green corridors.

Electrification will include two connection points for maritime container ships in Le Havre, 12 wintering points for inland cruise vessels in Rouen, five points for inland freight ships and 17 passenger-boat connections in Paris.

This announcement follows the first-ever shoreside connection of a cruise ship in Le Havre on 30 October.

It complements ongoing investments, including the Borne&Eau network, which will deliver 110 connection points by 2026 through additional EU and regional funding.