Financing for the implementation of the first phase of the “Onshore Power Supply” project in the Port of Lisbon has already been approved, which will allow, by 2029, the port infrastructure to provide an electrical energy supply system for ships at docks.

According to Publituris, the Port of Lisbon explains that this project aims to “improve air quality and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of port operations”, as this system allows ships to turn off their engines when they are at the dock, which reduces polluting emissions.

According to the Port of Lisbon, the approved financing is intended for the first phase of this project, which is budgeted at 18.3 million euros, with a maximum support of 14.5 million euros, through the managing entity of Sustainable 2030/ Climate Action and Sustainability Program (PACS).

The first phase of this project includes the High Voltage connection to the Public Service Electricity Grid (RESP), the construction of the main substation, and the construction of the Medium Voltage grid including two sectioning stations, for future connection to the Low Voltage (LV) shore-side substations, located in the eastern zone terminals (2023-2027).

In a second phase, shore-side substations will be built at each of the terminals and the Cable Management System (CMS) will be installed at the terminals (2026-2029). The investment and operation will cover the implementation of the OPS system at six terminals – namely, the Lisbon Cruise Terminal and five freight terminals in the eastern part of Lisbon.

“The implementation of the OSP project in the Port of Lisbon will have a direct positive impact on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and noise pollution in the city of Lisbon, particularly in the Lisbon Cruise Terminal”, advances the infrastructure, explaining that, at this moment, the objective is to “implement an OPS system capable of simultaneously supplying energy to three cruise ships in Medium Voltage (MV)”.

The project also aims to “implement a modularised infrastructure that allows its expansion in the future, aiming to simultaneously power ships with different value and frequency requirements”.

“This is a project of great strategic importance for the Port of Lisbon, mainly at an environmental, reputational, and operational level. In global terms, the total installation of the OPS system will allow a reduction of around 77% in GHG emissions on ships docked at these terminals, in tons of CO2 equivalent/year, in reference to the year 2019. On the other hand, it promotes more sustainable mobility and will attract a greater number of vessels. Its implementation contributes positively to the fight against climate change and reinforces the differentiation of the Port of Lisbon's offer compared to other Iberian ports”, considers Carlos Correia, president of the Port of Lisbon Administration.

Remember that the implementation of the Onshore Power Supply system is a legal obligation imposed by the European Union and arising from Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of September 13, 2023, regarding the creation of an infrastructure for the supply of electricity in comprehensive seaports of TEN-T.