Port of Pasaia installs shore power system

The Port of Pasaia in Spain has officially commissioned a new onshore power supply (OPS) system at the Kaputxinos dock in the Gipuzkoa basin. This strategic infrastructure development allows berthed vessels to shut down auxiliary engines and connect directly to the local land-based electrical grid. By facilitating this cold ironing capability, the port significantly mitigates harmful air emissions and reduces noise pollution, aligning the facility with modern European maritime sustainability standards and enhancing operational efficiency for visiting merchant ships.

This installation aligns with the broader decarbonization mandates outlined in the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation and the IMO’s ongoing strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. While SOLAS Chapter II-1 provides the foundational requirements for electrical installations, the implementation of OPS systems is increasingly driven by MARPOL Annex VI regulations concerning emission control areas. Compliance departments must ensure that vessel power management systems are compatible with shore-side frequency and voltage specifications to avoid potential electrical faults or non-compliance penalties during port calls.

Chief engineers and second engineers must familiarize themselves with the specific connection protocols and synchronization procedures required for the Kaputxinos dock OPS system. Engine room teams are responsible for verifying that the vessel’s switchboard is prepared for seamless load transfer to shore power without triggering blackouts. Understanding the technical limitations of the shore connection is essential for maintaining vessel safety and ensuring that all electrical load management remains within the operational parameters defined by the port authority.