According to IMO, funding is being released to develop detailed technical proposals aimed at accelerating decarbonisation efforts for selected domestic vessels and ports in Africa and the Caribbean, with a significant focus on shore-to-ship power supply solutions.
This initiative is part of the Maritime Technology Global Challenge under the IMO CARES (Coordinated Actions to Reduce Emissions from Shipping) project.
The IMO CARES Maritime Technology Global Challenge was launched in November 2023 to identify technology solutions to accelerate decarbonisation in domestic shipping and ports in target regions.
Decarbonisation efforts, particularly through shore-to-ship power supply initiatives, are crucial in combatting climate change by significantly reducing emissions at ports and for domestic vessels. Supporting developing countries, especially small island developing states and least developed countries, is essential in this global effort to facilitate access to advanced decarbonisation technologies.
As informed, a total of 21 companies from across the globe entered their solutions into the IMO CARES Maritime Technology Global Challenge. Funding will now be provided to help develop the proposed solutions into in-depth technical proposals with guidance from the regional MTCCs in Africa and the Caribbean. The IMO CARES project is funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The recent announcement of a significant European grant for a shore power installation at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges further demonstrates the commitment to implementing sustainable practices within key ports. This investment not only reduces emissions but also sets an example for other ports to follow suit.
The urgency of these initiatives is reinforced by the findings of the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), which emphasizes the need for the EU to substantially increase its shore power infrastructure to meet ambitious regulatory targets by 2030. This underscores the critical role that shore power plays in achieving emissions reductions on a larger scale.
During the 2023 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Theodosia Digalaki, Technical Product Manager, ERMA FIRST, shared her perspective on reducing carbon footprint with shore power. She explained that shore power causes significant reduction of air emissions (SOx, NOx, PM) and improves port’s microclimate, while enabling maintenance of auxiliary engines.
