Shore power

Shore power or shore supply is the provision of shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth allowing its engines to be shut down. While the term originates from watercraft, it has been applied to aircraft or land-based vehicles, which may plug into grid power when parked for idle reduction.

The source of land-based power is typically supplied by an electric utility, though it may also be provided by an external generator powered by diesel fuel or renewable energy sources such as wind or solar.

Shore power reduces fuel consumption that would otherwise be required to operate onboard generators while in port and eliminates associated air pollution. Some port cities have anti-idling regulations that require ships to connect to shore power where available. Its use may also facilitate maintenance of onboard engines and generators and reduce noise.

The amount of electrical power required can be substantial. For example, to supply visiting cruise ships, the port of Flåm in Norway installed a system capable of delivering 16 MVA to a single vessel. The port of San Diego is capable of supplying three ships simultaneously at comparable power levels and additionally operates a high-voltage shore connection system.

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