In this presentation, Maria Bos will explore how Plug is building the infrastructure needed to enable greener shipping, from shore power facilities to charging solutions for various vessel types. Using real-world examples, including the UK’s first shore power facility for offshore vessels in Montrose, Maria will demonstrate how data-driven approaches and strategic investments accelerate the transition. By addressing key challenges and showcasing impactful projects, she will highlight how sustainable maritime infrastructure can reduce emissions and support a cleaner future for shipping

New decarbonization regulations are being implemented across the marine industry globally and port operators need to be aware of new requirements which come into force as early as 2025 for certain vessels in Europe. Onshore power (or OPS) has become a major aspect of decarbonization strategies that ports need to adopt to meet the latest GHG regulations (such as FuelEU ) and this presentation provides both port operators and shipowners/operators with an outline of the requirements they will need to achieve over the next few years to meet the new regulations.

The Port of San Diego leads the way in the US with an electric tug boat, harbor patrol boats and a ferry that is in the works. On land, the port has shore power for cruise and container ships and has auto-carriers upcoming. These successes and plans face numerous challenges, including working with regulators, financing and developing new infrastructure, working with shippers to ensure good timing and working with utilities to get electricity at the right time and at a reasonable cost.

PortGRID is a feasibility study, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), that explores how inland port energy infrastructures can support shipping electrification while integrating renewable energy efficiently. The study examines smart grids, energy storage and intelligent load management. With regard to methodology and data, the mixed-method approach includes site visits, stakeholder interviews and operational data analysis. Technical modeling and simulations assess renewable integration and grid stability. Regulatory and economic feasibility is evaluated. PortGRID will inform research on smart grids and guide policies for sustainable, resilient and competitive inland ports.

This presentation offers unique insights into selecting optimal charging systems for e-ferries. It will give a guideline for selection criteria and will cover battery capacity, C-rate and operational schedules, alongside comparisons of AC and DC charging, uncooled and cooled cables and HV and LV systems. It also compares manual and automated connections, addressing placement constraints, space requirements and quay conditions like tidal variations.

Across all the operational missions in maritime mobility, ferry crossings are ideal candidates for electrification. The short distance and the possibility of top-up charging at port between crossings make it possible to convert ferries to battery electric propulsion. In this presentation we examine the energy requirements and possibilities to electrify ferries of a typical configuration available between the port of Dover and Calais. Energy requirements across various weather conditions are presented together with available energy from charging, solar power and wind power. The electrical architecture of the ship is presented with a concept modular battery system architecture.

When realised, the THOR design concept will introduce a new breed of full-electric vessel operations. The 149m long vessel is categorised as a Replenishment, Research, and Rescue (3R) vessel. The plan is to equip the vessel with a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) or a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) to generate 20 MW of clean, safe electricity. Which will serve as a mobile power and charging station.