Source: Adapted from US Department of Energy (2024) Port Electrification Handbook, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Port electrification has four major end uses:
- Shore power. Cold ironing has been present in ports for decades, particularly for cruise and ferries, which require high voltage and high loads (e.g. 10 MW on average for a cruise ship). This can be a challenge if multiple ships require shore power at the same time. The introduction of electric vessels is in its infancy and mainly concerns small and short-distance ferries, tug boats, and small service crafts.
- Electric vehicles. Light duty vehicles such as vans and pickup trucks are the most readily available form of vehicle electrification in ports. Heavy duty vehicles, such as trucks used for intra-terminal drayage, require large battery packs and have a shorter range. Still, the short distances of intra-port movements and drayage are more suitable for electrification than standard trucking. In all cases, the challenge is to install vehicle charging stations that are able to recharge light and heavy vehicles within a reasonable amount of time.
- Cargo handling. Non-rolling cargo handling equipment, such as cranes, rail gantries, conveyor belts, and even rubber-tired gantries, operate within a defined area or path, which allows for their direct connection to the electric grid. Rolling equipment, such as straddle carriers, forklifts, reach stackers, and loaders, require battery packs and related charging stations. Refrigerated containers (reefers) require power plugs to supply their refrigeration units.
- Buildings. A port complex includes multiple buildings, such as offices, repair shops, and warehouses. Although these facilities are already electrified, electrification can include climate control (heating and cooling) and improvements in energy efficiency. This also applies to lighting, which is already electrified but could benefit from energy efficiency or solar power generation.