Shore-to-Ship Technology in Malta's Grand Harbour

Shore-to-Ship technology, also known as Onshore Power Supply (OPS) or cold ironing, allows vessels to connect to an onshore electrical grid while docked. This technology enables ships to turn off their engines and draw power from the land-based electrical system, significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution in port areas.

Key benefits of Shore-to-Ship technology include:

1. Reduced Emissions: By using shore power, ships can significantly lower their air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, helping to improve air quality in coastal regions.
2. Energy Efficiency: Ships can operate more efficiently by relying on a stable land power supply rather than running onboard generators.
3. Noise Reduction: Turning off engines while docked reduces noise pollution, creating a quieter environment for nearby residents and wildlife.
4. Support for Decarbonization: This technology contributes to broader efforts aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of maritime activities and aligns with international and national climate commitments.

Malta has become the first country in the Mediterranean Sea to fully implement Shore-to-Ship technology by successfully integrating an OPS system in Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Prime Minister Robert Abela inaugurated this long-awaited project on the 10th July 2024, following an eight-month trial phase. This milestone has come into fruition due to the Maltese government’s investment in the necessary infrastructure to support OPS, focusing on high-voltage shore connections specifically for cruise liners. The initiative involved installing 17 connection points along key quays, such as Pinto Wharf, Deep Water Quay, and Boiler Wharf, enabling cruise liners equipped with OPS technology to connect to the onshore electrical grid which will be able to provide up to 64 Megavolt Amperes of power, utilizing either 11KV or 5.5KV at frequencies of 50Hz or 60Hz.

In addition, the system will allow up to five cruise liners to be powered by the grid simultaneously and according to the government, this initiative is expected to reduce pollution by 90% for the approximately 17,000 residents living around the Grand Harbour. This reduction is particularly important given the Grand Harbour’s proximity to densely populated residential and commercial areas and the investment aims to support both EU and national climate goals by aligning with commitments to lower the carbon footprint of land-based port operations and promote the decarbonization of shipping.

That being said, this significant reduction will take full effect in 2030, when Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, and amending Directive 2009/16/EC is implemented. This regulation is a fundamental cornerstone to support the transition towards more sustainable modes of transport, and to put the Union on track for the full decarbonization of the transport sector by 2050.

As of 2024, only one-third of the vessels visiting the Valletta Grand Harbour are equipped with OPS technology and ships will not be required to use this technology until the EU Fit for 55 package takes effect in 2030 relating to EU’s target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030​. This proposed package aims to bring EU legislation in line with the 2030 goal.

For more information on shore-to-ship technology, contact us on info@vaialegal.com

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