SciTransfer
SPARK · Project

Offshore Shore Power System for Ships to Reduce Port Emissions

transportPilotedTRL 8

Imagine a giant extension cord that reaches ships while they are still anchored a couple of kilometers away from the dock. Instead of running loud, dirty engines to keep the lights on, ships can just plug into the grid. It uses a smart cable and a semi-automatic plug so the crew doesn't have to struggle with heavy equipment in the water.

By the numbers
1–2 km
Distance of OPS system from quayside
8
TRL level
2030
Target year for FuelEU Maritime and AFIR targets
2050
Target year for FuelEU Maritime and AFIR targets
The business problem

What needed solving

Ships currently burn auxiliary engines while anchored, causing high emissions and noise. Existing shore power is limited to the quay, leaving ships at anchorage unable to switch to clean electricity.

The solution

What was built

An offshore power supply system including a dynamic cable, a standard-compliant connector, a semi-automated coupling mechanism, a predictive control platform, and VR training modules.

Audience

Who needs this

Port AuthoritiesCommercial Ship OperatorsMarine Electrical ContractorsEnvironmental Regulatory Bodies
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Maritime Logistics
enterprise
Target: Ship Operators

If you are a ship operator dealing with strict FuelEU Maritime and AFIR emission targets — this project developed an offshore connector that works with existing onboard systems. This means you can reduce pollutants without spending money on expensive vessel retrofitting.

Port Management
enterprise
Target: Port Authorities

If you are a port authority dealing with air quality regulations in anchorage areas — this project developed a scalable OPS solution located 1–2 km from the quayside. This allows you to electrify ships before they even reach the terminal.

Energy Infrastructure
any
Target: Electrical Engineering Firms

If you are an engineering firm dealing with the challenge of delivering high voltage in marine environments — this project developed a dynamic offshore cable and monitoring platform. This provides a certified blueprint for deploying power systems in open water.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the cost or price of the system?

Based on available project data, the specific commercial price is not listed, though the project aims to demonstrate a cost-effective offshore OPS solution.

Is this solution ready for industrial scale?

Yes, the project targets TRL 8, meaning the system is fully integrated and designed to be scalable and repeatable across European anchorage areas.

How is the IP or licensing handled?

Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not provided, but the system is developed to align with IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005 standards.

Which regulations does this help meet?

The system is designed to help operators meet FuelEU Maritime and AFIR targets for 2030 and 2050.

How long does the implementation take?

The project period runs from 2026-06-01 to 2029-05-31, indicating a three-year development and demonstration cycle.

How does it integrate with existing ships?

The vessel-side connector is fully compatible with IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005 standards, meaning it works with existing onboard shore power systems without needing retrofits.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is highly industry-driven, with 8 partners across 5 countries. With a 50% industry ratio (4 industrial partners), the project is balanced between academic research (2 universities, 1 research institute) and practical application, ensuring the TRL 8 goal is supported by real-world operational expertise from port authorities and ship operators.

How to reach the team

Contact STILLSTROM AS in Denmark for technical specifications on the offshore cable system.

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to find similar TRL 8 maritime electrification technologies.

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