Ports, port operators and local agencies across the United States are implementing 51 projects totaling approximately $2.93 billion through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program.
The projects, located across 24 states and territories, will fund new port equipment, supporting infrastructure and emissions-reduction planning. Implementation is expected to take place over the next three to four years, depending on the scope of each project.
The awards include more than 1,500 units of cargo-handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives and 20 vessels. Fifteen of the funded projects include vessel shore-power systems.
Shore-Side Infrastructure Is Only Half the Connection
As more ports introduce shore power, vessel operators will need to determine whether their ships can connect safely and operate reliably at each electrified berth.
Shore-power readiness involves considerably more than installing a receptacle and connecting a cable. A vessel-side assessment may need to consider:
- The vessel’s electrical load while alongside
- Shore and vessel voltage and frequency compatibility
- Transformer and frequency-converter requirements
- Switchboard capacity and protection coordination
- Short-circuit levels and harmonic distortion
- Cable routing and connection-point arrangements
- Cooling and auxiliary systems affected by shutting down generators
- Class, flag and port requirements
- Changeover procedures and crew training
A port may have the necessary electrical infrastructure, but that does not automatically mean every vessel calling there is ready to use it. Vessel configuration, operating requirements and port compatibility must be evaluated individually.
Engineering the Complete Integration
NETSCo supports shipowners throughout vessel-side shore-power projects, from feasibility studies and electrical-load analysis to equipment arrangement, structural modifications, detailed engineering and class documentation.
Evaluating these requirements early helps owners understand the true scope of a retrofit, identify potential compatibility issues and prepare for ports that are bringing new shore-power infrastructure online.
Learn more about the EPA Clean Ports Program awards.
Planning a shore-power retrofit? Request a vessel-side assessment from NETSCo at info@netsco.us or click on our contact page and send a message.