NEXIGEN is a global plan to provide the necessary infrastructure to meet the future electricity demand of all vessel types in the Port. Despite the implementation of OPS infrastructure in some ports globally, NEXIGEN stands out as a unique project worldwide given it is already simultaneously developing OPS for ferries, container and cruise vessels. Barcelona is one of the five largest cruise ports in the world and this plan will see its seven cruise terminals equipped with OPS, positioning it as the most sustainable cruise port.
With an allocated budget exceeding €200 million, this is the largest amount in the Mediterranean dedicated to OPS which will support the port in significantly reducing its GHG emissions by over 50% by 2030, achieving the most significant reduction for a single port in the region. Furthermore, once NEXIGEN is fully implemented, emissions from ships are berth in the Port of Barcelona will be reduced by 90%.
As for completion dates, the first two OPS units will become operational in July 2024, marking the first connections in the Mediterranean for container vessels, followed by the This will the OPS connection at the ferry terminal in December 2024. Finally, the construction of the electrical substation, distributing energy to the quays via a private medium-voltage grid, will be completed in 2026 providing an OPS connection in the cruise terminal.
The Port of Barcelona, via NEXIGEN, is spearheading OPS service provision in Southern Europe, driving demand for this sustainable energy source from shipping companies, and thereby decreasing the shipping sector’s reliance on traditional fossil fuels.