The electrification of ports, a green revolution from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean
Northern Europe leading the way
In recent years, port electrification has become one of the most important strategic drivers in the decarbonisation of maritime transport. As European environmental regulations tighten and sustainability takes centre stage, many ports across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean are investing in “green” infrastructure capable of supplying onshore power (OPS) to vessels while at berth.
In Northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavian and German ports, the electrification of quays is already well underway, with further major developments in progress. Ports such as Hamburg, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Oslo are at the forefront, having already implemented or planned advanced systems to deliver electricity from renewable sources. This allows ships to shut down their combustion engines while docked, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
In Norway, the combination of port electrification and fully electric or hybrid ferries has reshaped local maritime transport, setting a benchmark for the rest of Europe and even anticipating EU directives. These investments deliver not only environmental benefits but also economic ones, improving air quality in coastal cities and supporting more sustainable tourism.
The United Kingdom, accelerating its transition
The United Kingdom is also stepping up its efforts in port electrification. Major ports such as Portsmouth and Southampton are investing in shore power infrastructure. Government-backed initiatives and funding schemes are supporting the rollout of OPS systems, meaning the supply of electricity from shore to docked vessels, as part of the broader maritime decarbonisation strategy. In the Southampton area, a major investment plan running from July 2025 to 2031 aims to strengthen the local electricity network, increasing both its capacity and resilience, and enabling further development of port electrification. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, the UK is positioning itself to expand shore power availability in the coming years, in line with international sustainability targets.
The Mediterranean picks up speed
Mediterranean ports are now rapidly catching up. Italy, Spain and France are all advancing electrification projects, supported by European funding programmes such as Italy’s PNRR and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
In Italy, major ports including Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Palermo have already launched works to electrify their quays. The goal is clear, to reduce the environmental impact of passenger maritime traffic, especially during peak summer months when traffic increases significantly.
France is also making strong progress in the ecological transition of its ports. Several ports are investing in quay electrification to cut emissions during port stays. The national “Escales zéro fumée” programme involves cities like Marseille, where investments are focused on ferries and cruise ships, as well as Nice, which is also actively engaged. In Toulon, the country’s largest cold ironing facility is currently under construction, designed to supply grid electricity to docked vessels. Meanwhile, the port of Sète has begun work to electrify part of its infrastructure, enabling passenger ships to connect to the grid and switch off their engines while in port.
A shared challenge
Electrifying port infrastructure could reduce port-related emissions by up to 40%. Looking ahead, even smaller islands may adopt renewable-powered microgrids to support local ferry and hydrofoil services.
Despite this progress, challenges remain, high infrastructure costs, the need for common technical standards, and close cooperation between shipping companies, port authorities and energy providers.
Even so, the direction is clear. Port electrification marks a turning point in maritime mobility, bringing together environmental sustainability, energy efficiency and innovation, while delivering tangible benefits for ferry passengers, who are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of their journeys.
