Access to shore power for ferries and ships calling at ports is essential for the further Development and implementation of sustainable ship propulsion electric batteries and, ultimately, for the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. This was underlined by the representatives of shipping companies operating fleets of speaking yesterday at the seminar entitled "Shore Power offers promising carbon cuts - but are we on track?" organized by Interferry, the international association that represents these maritime carriers, in the context of the European Shipping Summit taking place in Brussels.

In order to multiply the installation of transport systems in ports Onshore Power Supply, which allow ships to connect to the shore power grid and switch off the on-board engines, reducing the emissions, the executives of ferry shipping companies called for a significant increase in funding essential to equip the port docks with these systems.

In addition, representatives of ferry carriers have highlighted that current funding models often Focus exclusively on Onshore Power Supply connection at mooring, underestimating the importance for ferries to be able to charge the on-board batteries needed to power the electric propulsion during navigation, and have highlighted the need for a change in strategy that includes financing for the entire energy supply chain, from the power plant to the port, including investments in the electricity grid of the port and in the entire energy infrastructure.

"The investments in OPS infrastructure - noted Johan Roos, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Interferry - I am fundamental for the energy transition of the activities of the in Europe and around the world, supporting the adoption of battery technology and reducing reliance on limited alternative fuel resources. Focusing only on the ship In the port, we lose sight of the big picture. We need a significant supply of energy to charge the batteries on the propulsion vessels, so that you can take full advantage of the technological potential of OPS'. "The funds - he added - must be allocated to modernize the entire infrastructure and the Member States of the European Union can act as a and become the reference point for development global".

"The ferry sector - said Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan - represents a driving force in the development of sustainable propulsion solutions for the entire maritime transport sector, as we can see from the large number of projects and investments made by our member companies. Ground energy is a cornerstone of our industry's decarbonisation efforts and we need to ensure that funding supports the full range of needs Infrastructure. We need a holistic approach to achieve significant carbon reductions."