Maltese first in shore power technology

The new system allows up to five cruise liners to draw power from the grid simultaneously, significantly reducing pollution for approximately 17,000 residents around the harbour by 90% by 2030.

“Shore power is one very important element of our continued commitment toward decarbonisation, with most of our fleet equipped to eliminate local emissions and improve local air quality when the ships are at berth in port, and we can switch off their engines as local shoreside electricity powers the operation,” said Michele Francioni, chief energy transition officer, MSC Cruises.

Decarbonisation strategy

Prime Minister Robert Abela inaugurated the new power system at the port on 10 July following an eight-month trial. 

During the inauguration, Valetta’s local power grid successfully supplied electricity for MSC World Europa while it was docked, enabling the ship to switch off its engines and eliminate direct emissions at the port.

Captain Stefano Battinelli provided Prime Minister Abela with a tour of the 22-deck LNG-powered ship.

Afterwards, Francioni presented the company’s decarbonisation strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 for its marine operations.

Valletta’s shore power system, which can provide 64 Megavolt Amperes of power at various frequencies, will charge energy usage at unsubsidised commercial rates, marking a significant step toward sustainable marine operations in the Mediterranean.

It’s an initiative which aligns with the EU’s forthcoming requirement for all cruise liners to utilise onshore power supply (OPS).