igus Unveils Groundbreaking Mobile Shore Power Solution, Earning Recognition for Ports and Harbor Innovation
igus receives the EHM Award for the Ports and Harbor Innovation of the Year for the development of the world’s first mobile shore power connection system
October 30, 2024 – igus®, a global leader in motion plastics, has introduced the igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO), the world’s first mobile shore power connection system. Now in use at the Port of Hamburg, this innovative solution has received the prestigious “Ports and Harbor Innovation of the Year” award at the 2024 Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe in Amsterdam.
The iMSPO addresses a critical environmental challenge that port operators face in reducing emissions, contributing to the European Union’s “Fit for 55” target, which aims for a minimum 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Currently, many vessels need to keep their generators running to generate electrical power while berthed, creating significant CO2 emissions. By providing a flexible, mobile shore power solution, igus enables Ocean Going Vessels to use shore power instead, helping to reduce emissions and support sustainable port operations.
A Flexible Solution for Ports
The challenge of providing shore power lies not only in the power supply itself but also in accommodating ships of varying sizes and onboard cable management configurations. These vessels need to berth at different positions along the terminal, where traditional fixed shore power outlets are not always aligned with the needed connection points. This means, heavy cables must be manually positioned, which can lead to safety concerns and longer connection times.
The iMSPO system offers an innovative solution, allowing ships to connect to shore power at any point along a 400-meter berth or longer. This flexibility ensures that ships can be supplied with power regardless of their specific berthing position, offering significant operational benefits for port operators. By aligning the shore power system to the vessel and not the vessel to the shore power system, igus provides a highly adaptable and efficient alternative to stationary systems. This mobile solution also offers reduced installation and maintenance costs for port operators.
Operational Benefits
“The positioning of the ship in the terminal is critical for optimal loading and unloading operations,” stated Martin Tiling, Head of Shore Power at igus. “Fixed shore connections can limit flexibility, as the onboard cable reels may not be located where the connection points are. With the iMSPO, we ensure that ports can connect ships without hindering terminal operations.”
The iMSPO system is comprised of track elements on which a mobile carriage with a socket box is guided. An energy chain system guides the cables safely inside the track, allowing for smooth and reliable movements. The socket box can be lowered for easy cable connection and then raised again to prevent obstruction on the terminal while supplying power. All movements are controlled via a wired or wireless remote control pendant, ensuring both efficiency and safety.
Global Recognition for Innovation
The iMSPO system is compliant with international standard IEC/IEEE 80005-1, ensuring compatibility with ships across various ports worldwide. Its innovative design has been recognized by a panel of international industry experts, consultants, and journalists at the Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards, securing the award for Ports and Harbor Innovation of the Year for 2024.
With this new technology, igus offers port operators a sustainable and flexible solution to meet future environmental requirements while optimizing port operations. The system represents a one-time investment with long-term benefits, supporting a green future for ports.
For more information and to view the iMSPO system in action at the Port of Hamburg, visit: https://youtu.be/H54I_l_pi5s
