Small ports should target provision of shore-side power from mobile units, according to a new study from specialist consultancies, Hanseatic Transport Consultancy and MKO Marine Consulting.
The study, entitled ‘Mobile shore power – technological possibilities and prerequisites,‘ evaluates the use of mobile shore power solutions in German ports and concludes that the use of mobile power units can aid ports in switching to this climate- friendly technology option.
The switch to shore-based power systems offers well documented benefits, including emission-free electricity on a noiseless basis, although it remains subject to sufficient shored-based power being accessible.
The Study confirms, mobile shore power systems offer greater flexibility than fixed shore-based power options and represent a good option over the more expensive, stationary infrastructure, especially for smaller ports that generally have smaller vessels calling that require less power, often under 1.5MW, which can be provided by mobile shore power equipment.
The challenge for ports in Germany, and the industry overall, is that workable mobile units remain a new option, with many solutions still being tested or needing further development.
