Americas News
Maersk Line Adds Shore Power Systems to 16 Ships
Maersk Line says it has installed alternative marine power (AMP) systems on 16 ships calling in California, after the U.S. state began requiring the use of shore power to reduce emissions.
The AMP solution delivers electricity at 6,600 volts through two extension cords connected to a value in the dock.
The installations cost $1 million per vessel and involved coordination with vendors, vessel crews, and APM Terminals Los Angles, among other parties involved in the project.
"There were many pieces of the puzzle to be put together in a short time," said Project Manager Sukesh Daniel Paul.
"We managed to complete the installation while the vessels were underway and without disrupting the normal vessel operation – timing was everything."
Use of shore power for a large vessel can reduce pollution by as much as removing 40,000 cars from the road.
Despite the expense of adding the systems to the vessels, Maersk Line says initial results show that the shore power electricity costs less than the marine gasoil the ships would otherwise burn in California.
The use of shore power has drawn growing interest worldwide, including from the Port of Shanghai, which is seeking help from the Port of Los Angeles in exploring use of the technology.
