By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
The French port of Marseille Fos plans to spend over US$22 million to reduce air emissions by extending its shoreside electrical connections to every ferry, cruise ship and repair quay in the eastern harbour. The port has also introduced speed restrictions to reduce industrial air pollution.
Already available on the Corsica ferry quays, the shore power network will be expanded in two phases to cover North Africa ferry quays and the ship repair hub by 2022 and the cruise terminal between 2022 and 2025.
The zero-emissions investment, which is supported by national and regional government, recognises the need to maintain the port’s economic value while improving the city’s waterside air quality.
“We are convinced that ecological transition is the springboard to economic growth,” said Hervé Martel, CEO of Marseille Fos. “That’s why we are investing heavily to become the Mediterranean’s first 100% electric port by 2025.”
As well as quayside electrification, the port has supported cruise and ferry operators cut their own emissions by providing LNG supplies since 2017 and will soon dedicate a barge service for the task.