The Port of Gothenburg is a pioneer in the implementation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) and has set ambitious goals to integrate OPS into its daily operations. The port strives to not only meet, but exceed the existing environmental legislation. This includes a pioneering initiative together with partners to also connect tankers operating in high explosive areas, which are not covered by the respective EU directive.
Historically, the Port of Gothenburg has been a leader in the use of OPS and was one of the first ports in the world to implement it. In the early 2000s, shore connections were introduced, and the Port actively worked to get through tax exemptions for shore connection electricity use, spreading the technology’s benefits across Europe. This early adoption is part of a long-term vision to create a more sustainable and competitive business. Introducing OPS has led to significant environmental gains and shows the Port of Gothenburg’s commitment to reducing shipping’s environmental impact and improving air quality in the port area.
In order to be able to connect tankers at berth to shore power, the Port of Gothenburg together with partners has developed a completely new world-unique concept that makes it safe, environmentally friendly and at the same time cost-effective. The project is named “Green Cable” and the work has been done in close collaboration with several shipping companies from the Swedish island Donsö, national and European ports, classification societies, the oil companies in the port and the Swedish Transport Agency. Thanks to a new technical solution with excess pressure in spaces containing the electrical equipment and the proposed placement of the electrical connection point, safety is guaranteed.
With a strong drive and persistence, the Port of Gothenburg together with collaboration partners have solved the challenges and came up with solutions. The goal is to set a new global standard for the electrical connection of tankers at quays in hazardous environments and keep on leading the development towards safer port operations with reduced climate impact.