67 batteries would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ferries, but also reduce demand for the limited availability of alternative fuels. Shoreside stakeholders in Europe, the USA and Canada are gradually taking the required action, and we aim to intensify our campaign to ensure the trend gathers significant pace. We see the European Shipping Summit 2025, scheduled for Brussels, Belgium, in March, as a major opportunity to do that. We will arrange for political and industry panellists to answer provocative questions on shore power – like who pays for the high-power grid connections, and whether governments should dedicate a fair proportion of revenues from carbon tax schemes to shore power provision. On an encouraging note, Port Boulogne Calais in France, which serves the vital Calais-Dover crossChannel ferry link with the UK, has announced plans to become the first port in the world to offer 100 megawatts of shoreside electrical power. A contract with the high-voltage network Reseau de Transport d’Electricite will provide up to three ships with 20 to 35 megawatts of power, enabling them to recharge simultaneously in 45 minutes. The system is due to be available for fully electric ship operation from 2030, with the eventual aim of full carbon neutrality on the route by 2035. Here’s hoping for similar advances across the globe! Learn more about Interferry’s Ferry Sustainable Showcase at: www.interferry.com/ferry-sustainable-portal/ Denmark’s Copenhagen Malmö Port is one of several European ports that has already invested in shore power facilities for passenger ferries and other vessels “ The ferry sector is already a leader in driving the transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources” Photo: Copenhagen Malmo Port
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