ABB to promote ‘cold ironing’ in UK
ABB’s shore to ship (STS) electrical connection technology
ABB Marine and Cranes reports that it is working to promote the environmental and commercial benefits of the use of shore-to-ship high voltage electrical connection technology in the UK market.
Also known as 'cold ironing' and 'alternative marine power', ABB describes the technology as “essentially the port operator providing a connection to the local electricity network for the vessel. This allows the vessel to shut down its diesel engines thereby cutting all airborne emissions (CO2 plus other emissions such as NOx, SOx and particulates). In addition to the significant benefit to the environment, a reduction in noise pollution and vibration is realised which has a positive effect on local communities.”
According to ABB, there has been a common concern in the industry around the matter of global standards, something that has recently been addressed by the publication of the IEC 'publicly available standard' (IEC/ISO/IEEE 60092-510) which aims to ensure global compatibility for connections, communication and protection.
Stuart Melling, account manager for ABB Marine and Crane business unit says: "This development removes some of the uncertainty a port and vessel operator would have around investing in this technology. The environmental benefits are clear, most of our customers accept this but also want to avoid investing in a 'white elephant'. Now that a global standard has been published, the prospect of using this solution to achieve port and vessel environmental targets (such as energy efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction) is much more compelling.
"Vessel operators are under increasing pressure given IMO environmental regulations (MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI) and EU directives (2005/33/EC sulphur limits in port). The use of expensive low sulphur diesel in port drives up operating costs, this could make connection to the port supply very attractive from a commercial aspect as well as in helping to achieve environmental improvements.
"For port operators, this provision of electricity to vessels will bring an additional revenue stream, will help contribute to their carbon reduction targets and will help promote a much cleaner image to local residents. As many ports have achieved, or are in the process of achieving ISO14001, this solution can provide an ideal element of the environmental improvement strategy."
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