orts are often located in high density areas, and this can raise concerns about harmful emissions from berthed ships.
Following the UK Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that makes downstream emissions legally mandatory in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), ports are now under scrutiny to measure and mitigate the emissions generated not just within their boundaries, but across the entire supply chain. Shore power is used as a way to connect land-based power to a vessel, enabling the onboard diesel generators to be powered down, and helping to reduce emissions and carbon footprint. This is often provided as a fixed socket on the quay side which the boat will connect to. However, many ports still lack the infrastructure to offer shore power across all berths, leaving a gaping hole in their ESG reporting and sustainability strategies. Ships come in a huge range of sizes, so
The iMSPO delivers medium-voltage shore power directly to vessels regardless of their mooring position
choosing the location in which to install a fixed shore power outlet that lines up with each vessel is particularly challenging.
1. Variance of vessel SP (safe port) locations: The connection locations can vary with different LOA (vessel ‘length overall’) and mooring positions. Some boats berth to the starboard side, others to port; and the cable management system (CMS) can be placed on several positions between the bridge and the stern.
2. Onboard CMS limitation: Not only is the length of cable limited by the size of the reel in the container, but vertical motions in relation to tidal range and loading can vary 15-20m+.
3. Berthing arrangement flexibility: It is important to maximise vessel density with regards to their length on long quays, however longer vessels can cover adjacent
berths with their mooring lines. According to igus, for ports, fixed outlets
require more equipment, moremaintenance, and dangerous cable extenders. Fixed outlets have the highest cost per meter of linear coverage and construction costs. Plus, installing an outlet every 40m will not future-proof the operation, and construction is very expensive. Unless a ship comes into berth and lines
up directly with the fixed socket there can be difficulties, including cables exposed on the deck. Under port regulations, ship to shore cable extensions are not be permitted, so if fixed outlets are not providing the flexibility needed, what is the solution?
The iMSPO solves this challenge with a flexible, self-propelled socket system that delivers medium-voltage shore power directly to vessels (Container, Cruise, Ferry, Ro-Ro), regardless of their mooring position. Installed above the fender systemand controlled remotely, the iMSPO can travel in excess of 400m along the quay, ensuring full berth coverage without the need for multiple fixed installations resulting in zero dead spots where the vessels cannot connect. Designed to meet IEC 80005-1 standards and
the EU Machinery Directive, the iMSPO system is corrosion-resistant (C5-M) and IP67-rated for electrical safety. By replacing multiple fixed sockets with one mobile unit, ports can reduce cabling, switchgear and civil engineering costs, accelerating ROI while enhancing operational flexibility. More importantly, they gain the ability to shut down shipboard diesel generators, cutting emissions at the source and aligning with EU ETS and MRV requirements. igus recently won the ‘Maritime Innovator
of the Year’ award for its innovative iMSPO family of products.
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