The newly established shore-to-ship power plant at Denmark’s port of Esbjerg welcomed its first large vessel when Island Patriot, a well stimulation vessel, tapped into the port’s shore power system while docking
Island Patriot, an 86-m vessel, is a frequent visitor to the port of Esbjerg and was the first large vessel to connect to the port’s new shore-to-ship power plant. The vessel disconnected its fossil fuel generator and connected to green onshore power at the port by way of a connection unit fitted on board the vessel.
The Mayor of Esbjerg Jesper Frost Rasmussen said “It’s a major step in making the port even more sustainable,” adding, “Port Esbjerg has implemented many green initiatives over the last few years, but this one constitutes a massive leap. Going forward, it will hugely reduce carbon emissions, because large vessels will increasingly avail themselves of green onshore power while they dock, so today is a very special day indeed.”
Copco, located at the port of Esbjerg, is the supply base for Island Patriot and Copco chief executive Flemming Copsø said “We’re naturally very proud that Island Patriot is the first vessel to receive onshore power from the new plant at Esbjerg. We want to contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting the green transition, and the ship’s owners have put their money where their mouth is by investing a considerable sum in readying the vessel to connect to the new green power supply.”
While small vessels calling at the port of Esbjerg have had the option to connect to onshore power for many years, a shore-to-ship power plant at the port with a capacity of 1,300 Amps will now be able to supply power simultaneously to a number of larger vessels similar in size to Island Patriot.
Port Esbjerg chief executive Jul Pedersen said “More and more customers ask for onshore power, so for us, it’s not just about participating actively in the green transition, which is a massive focus for us. It’s also a must for business which is why we’re currently organising to get more shore-to-ship power plants, so even more of our customers can avail themselves of green onshore power.”
The Port is also a member of the Getting to Zero Coalition which aims to reduce global emissions produced by international shipping by 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels.
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