Unfortunately, they appear reluctant to convert their fleets and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport. Port of Oslo wants to change that.
- Port of Oslo wants to advance the green shift by helping shipping companies convert their vessels to shore power. There are already around two hundred shore power facilities in Norway, and ports in Norway are adding more with financial support from Enova. Unfortunately, container ships are not using them, says Heidi Neilson, Head of Planning and Environment at Port of Oslo.
With new European Union regulations requiring container shipping companies to use shore power at European ports starting in 2030, converting vessels to shore power is more important than ever. Yilport Oslo will have shore power facilities in place as early as 2024.
- Without innovation and investment by shipping companies in the bulk and container segments, we risk losing the advantage of shore power facilities for the foreseeable future, says Nielson.
Heidelberg Materials is the only company using shore power facilities for bulk carriers in Oslo’s cargo port today.
- None of the container ships that regularly call at ports in the Oslo Fjord use shore power. Despite a relatively low cost to retrofit, shipping companies are reluctant to invest and convert their aging fleets, adds Neilson.
Heidelberg Materials use the shore power facilities at Nordre Sjursøykai. Photo: Johnny Syversen
Port of Oslo has received an approximate price quote from a supplier to convert container ships to shore power.
- The offer estimates that conversion of a single vessel will cost half a million Norwegian kroner. An investment shipping companies will recover quickly through the lowest port fees when using shore power, says Neilson.
In the future those who choose not to connect to shore power will have higher port fees, when the infrastructure in the Oslo Fjord is in place in all ports by 2025.
Proactive Process
Port of Oslo can help container shipping companies convert their vessels to shore power.
- We can assist using our expertise with shore power and applications to Enova for financial support. We only need one or two container ships to convert to shore power to move forward. Then the barrier is broken, and others are likely to follow. Don't hesitate to contact me if you want to convert your container ship, says Neilson.
Reducing Barriers
Collaboration among ports and port directors in Oslo, Drammen, Moss, Borg, Larvik, Grenland, Kristiansand, and Arendal through Emissions-Free Oslo Fjord aims to cut 85% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
- We are collaborating to reduce barriers converting to shore power by establishing common connection routines in all ports. By 2025, all the major ports in the Oslo Fjord will offer shore power for container ships and dry bulk carriers. In four of the eight ports, the infrastructure is already in place. This collaboration provides predictability and security for shipping companies investing in the green shift. We need container ships to test our facilities and show the world it works. The result will be a reduction in emissions from shipping, says Heidi Neilson, head of port cooperation for Emissions-Free Oslo Fjord.
Norwegian authorities also have ambitious climate goals, including a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from domestic shipping and fishing by 2030. Meeting this target requires deploying 700 low-emission and 400 zero-emission ships distributed across all ship categories.
Green Corridors
Shore power, renewable fuels, and electrification through batteries as range extenders, support the development of green corridors: emission-free logistics routes from origin to destination.
A green corridor contributes to the shift from fossil to renewable fuels on sea and land. Although switching will not eliminate all emissions, shifting transport mode from road to sea can cut emissions by 50%. ASKO's electric sea drones, MS Therese and MS Marit, are a feature of the first green corridor in the Oslo Fjord. Drones shuttle between the ports of Moss and Horten. Electric tractors move cargo to and from the docks.
- ASKO's solution to sail emissions-free across the fjord, instead of driving all the way around, is a good example of how maritime transport can contribute to the green shift. The seaway is the green way. Establishing and developing urban ports will help Norwegian cities meet their climate targets faster, says Neilson.
Port of Oslo contributes to green corridors by building charging stations and infrastructure for emissions-free cargo transport, including terminal equipment, cargo vehicles, and cement trucks.
- Ports have a fantastic opportunity to contribute to green corridors. We need ambitious customers and politicians who support clear environmental requirements, adds Neilson.
International Initiative
Green corridors are a hot topic worldwide. C40 is a network of mayors representing almost a hundred leading cities working together to address the climate crisis. Click the link below to watch C40's webinar on green corridors in shipping - with Heidi Neilson as a panel participant.
https://vimeo.com/797547981