igus has introduced the igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO), a groundbreaking mobile shore power system that provides container ships with safe and adaptable access to shore power at any position along the berth. The iMSPO, currently in operation at the Port of Hamburg, was honored with the “Ports and Harbor Innovation of the Year” award at the 2024 Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe in Amsterdam.
This innovation comes as the European Union targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 under the “Fit for 55” initiative, intensifying pressure on European ports to adopt eco-friendly technologies. Traditionally, docked ships rely on diesel generators for power, releasing large amounts of CO2. To curb emissions, the EU encourages cargo vessels to connect to shore power.
However, connecting ships of different sizes and varying cable configurations has proven challenging, often requiring ports to carry heavy cables across terminals. The iMSPO tackles these issues by offering a versatile “mobile socket” that can connect vessels anywhere along a 400-meter berth, reducing operational costs and ensuring safety.
Flexible and Efficient Berthing
“The iMSPO offers unmatched flexibility for terminal operations,” notes Martin Tiling, Head of Shore Power at igus. Traditional shore connections can restrict operations as vessels need to align with stationary power sources, limiting terminal efficiency. With iMSPO, berthing position is no longer constrained by fixed connections, enhancing adaptability in response to schedule changes and equipment delays. The system keeps rescue routes, ladders, and workspace unobstructed, while cranes can operate freely, enhancing the efficiency of loading and unloading.
Safe, Simple, and Fast Power Connections
The iMSPO system utilizes a track-mounted trolley with an integrated socket box and energy chain system to securely guide cables. Once a ship is docked, the iMSPO moves into position. The socket box, equipped with an automatic cover, lowers for easy connection of the ship’s cables. For added safety, the box’s cover locks during operation, preventing unauthorized access. All movements can be remotely controlled, ensuring seamless power delivery without interrupting berth activities. The system also complies with the international IEC80005-1 standard, making it compatible with ships worldwide.
Recognized as the 2024 Ports and Harbor Innovation of the Year, the iMSPO presents a sustainable, long-term solution for port operators aiming to support green energy transitions. With its adaptability, safety, and operational efficiency, igus’s mobile shore power outlet positions ports for a more sustainable future.
