In a significant stride towards greener maritime operations, a recent study by Duy-Hieu Nguyen, a PhD student at the College of Maritime at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, has shed light on the substantial air quality improvements that can be achieved by adopting shore power at ports. The research, published in ‘Aerosol and Air Quality Research’ (Air Quality Research), focused on the Port of Kaohsiung, highlighting the potential for reduced emissions of harmful pollutants like NOx and SO2.
Shore power, also known as cold ironing, is a technology that allows ships to plug into the local power grid while at berth, thereby reducing their reliance on onboard diesel generators. This not only cuts down on fuel costs but also significantly slashes emissions.
The study, which simulated two scenarios with varying capacities to provide shore power, found that the adoption of shore power could lead to a notable reduction in NOx and SO2 emissions. In the most ambitious scenario, the maximum simulated contribution at ground level for NOx was 147 µg m−3, and for SO2, it was 42.5 µg m−3. These results underscore the vulnerability of elevated areas in the city to ship emissions, particularly for NOx.
The research underscores the significant air quality benefits of shore power adoption. The highest reduction benefit was observed for NOx and SO2 emissions, with average reduction benefits of 8.70% ± 2.10% and 11.74% ± 2.95%, respectively. As Nguyen puts it, “Shore power adoption at the port would greatly reduce air pollution in the port city, especially in residential areas, and be considered a sustainable solution to improving air quality and combating climate change.”
For maritime professionals, this presents a compelling case for investment in shore power infrastructure. The commercial benefits are twofold: reduced operational costs for shipping companies due to lower fuel consumption and a substantial improvement in air quality for port cities. This not only enhances the reputation of ports as environmentally responsible entities but also opens up opportunities for attracting environmentally conscious shipping lines. As ports increasingly compete on their sustainability credentials, those that invest in shore power technology could gain a significant edge.
Moreover, the study’s findings underscore the importance of considering local topography and urban layout when planning shore power adoption. The elevated areas in the city were particularly vulnerable to ship emissions, highlighting the need for targeted emission reduction strategies.
The maritime sector is increasingly under pressure to reduce its environmental impact. With the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 and 2050 targets for greenhouse gas emissions looming, the adoption of shore power represents a practical and immediate step towards compliance. The Port of Kaohsiung’s experience, as detailed in Nguyen’s study, serves as a valuable case study for other ports looking to enhance their sustainability credentials.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the integration of shore power technology is likely to become a key differentiator. Ports that act now to invest in this technology will not only reap the immediate benefits of reduced emissions and operational costs but also position themselves as leaders in the transition to a more sustainable maritime sector.
