Host port update: Providing ferries with shore power, Port of Oslo is becoming a zero emissions port.

The Port of Oslo KF launched a new shore power facility (cold ironing) on the 8th January. Ferries operated by DFDS and Stena Line will be able to get power when they are at berth which enables the ferries to contribute to lower climate emissions and promote development of green technology. The CO2 reduction from this initiative is equivalent to emissions from more than 1300 cars annually.

Based on volume, maritime transport pollutes less and is more energy efficient than any other mode of transportation and it is the Port of Oslo's strategy to transport more cargo and passengers by sea. Each year nearly 1.3 million passengers travel with DFDS and Stena Line to Denmark with these ships also carrying large quantities of goods.

From the power station at Vippetangen, electric power goes to the ferries' electrical systems and the ferries connect seamlessly to the grid with the help of a cable crane equipped with an 11 kV high voltage cable. Diesel powered auxiliary engines onboard can be shut down while the ferries are powered by clean electricity. The power requirement of the ferries is about 2-3 MW, which is almost 60 times more power than today's fast chargers for electric cars. Shore power saves the ferries about 1,420 tons of fuel annually.

When the ferries are connected to shore power, they annually use between 5 000 000 – 6 000 000 kWh which is equal to the annual power consumption of almost 400 Norwegian homes.

The port aims to reduce 85 % of the CO2 emission by 2030 (action plan adopted by City Council in Nov 14th 2018) and moving cargo from road to sea transport reduces at least 50 % of both air pollution and carbon emissions. The port is promoting alternative fuels and new technology, building infrastructure for emission free solutions, and building shore power for ships.

For more information visit Port of Oslo, The 2019 European Green Capital.

GreenPort Cruise & Congress 2019 is heading to Oslo from 15-18 October 2019. Booking is open now and you can save 20% for a limited time by entering code early at the checkout. Visit www.greenport.com/congress for more information or call the events team on +44 1329 825335.