Connecting the ship to the shore-side power source in-port with the ship’s machinery shut down.
Availability of fast plug connections and seamless load transfer without blackout allow the full range of in-port functions to continue during the switchover. It is becoming an important part of the clean
port regulations that major ports around the world have rigorously started to implement.
For example, all major container, liquid bulk, and cruise ship terminals
at the Port of Los Angeles will have shore-side electrical power within five
years, and all container and one crude oil terminal at the Port of Long Beach will have it within five to ten years.
This will allow shutting down dirty diesel- powered auxiliary engines when at port, and taking advantage of relatively cleaner, although more expensive, shore power for reducing ship emissions around the port.
