Having set a zero-smoke stopovers plan, the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Région Sud PACA) aims to electrify the docks of Toulon, Marseille and Nice to enable emission-free stays for vessels. Approximately 1,300 calls are made into the port of Toulon by ferries and cruise vessels alone.
Maritime technology company ABB will lead a consortium which has been selected to manage and execute the turnkey project, with commissioning due in 2023. The solution from ABB will be capable of delivering enough energy to cover the requirements of three ferries calling to the port at the same time, or the needs of a singular cruise ship. The shore-to-ship power will provide vessels with either a 50Hz or 60Hz connections.
Established by the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis, the system implemented with ABB equipment will be capable of automatically adjusting the energy mix to supply vessels through the local power network, with solar energy produced from a photovoltaic shelter. An energy storage system made up of lithium batteries will also help to supply vessels.
The setup will aid in smoothing consumption peaks while enabling the storage of excess solar energy production. It will also be capable of utilizing other renewable energy sources such as fuel cells as the technology becomes more widely available.
With the addition of the shore-to-ship power connection, vessels will be able to switch off polluting diesel generators during visits to the port, saving on fuel and maintenance costs, and most importantly – the reduction of emissions. Additionally, less noise and vibrations will be emitted into the surrounding areas of the port. Eiffage Construction will be responsible for the civil engineering work and Fauché will install and connect the equipment.
“Toulon is the first Mediterranean port to supply power to all of its docks,” said Hubert Falco, president of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis. “This is an innovative project built on an intelligent energy flow management system with a unique energy mix. The shore-to-ship power connection will eliminate more than 80% of pollutant emissions. It will also save 9,000 hours of vessels running on diesel annually. For the ferry activity in the city of Toulon alone, this adds up to a reduction in sulfur emissions equivalent to those of 50,000 cars in a year.”
“Technically, this project is developing a new, intelligent smart grid power network using digital technology to manage energy flows from several interconnected sources,” said Frédéric Mestivier, designer and technical director of the power project for the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis. “The infrastructure makes it possible to optimize overall energy efficiency while limiting the carbon footprint.”