Cleaner and safer ports with onshore power
Shore power—also known as cold ironing or alternative maritime power—enables container vessels to plug into land-based electrical grids while at berth. This eliminates emissions and vibrations from onboard generators, improving local air quality, reducing noise pollution, and supporting more sustainable port operations.
Cavotec is the most comprehensive and proven shore power partner for container terminals. Safely and efficiently managing high-voltage cables at berth requires specialized equipment—our CMS solutions deliver maximum safety, reliability, and operational efficiency, ensuring seamless power transfer even in the most demanding port environments.
With over 150 installations across six continents and more than 40 years of experience, Cavotec has delivered more shore power systems worldwide than any other provider. As a technology pioneer and standards contributor, we continuously enhance our systems for greater safety, performance and digital integration.
Two Deployment Approaches for ShorePower at Container Terminals
Every container terminal operates differently, and the way vessels berth has a major influence on how shore power should be deployed. Cavotec offers two distinct approaches—fixed and flexible—ensuring that each terminal can implement the most efficient, safe, and operationally compatible solution.
- Fixed ShorePower Solutions for Standard Berthing Positions
For terminals where vessels consistently berth at a defined, repeatable position, Cavotec provides fixed systems installed directly on the quay. These solutions deliver a clean, compact, and highly reliable interface for connecting vessels to the grid.
- PowerFeed – A range of shore-side power units (socket boxes) designed for direct connection to vessels or to interface with mobile CMS units. PowerFeed is available in above-ground or underground configurations, ensuring seamless integration into any terminal infrastructure.
- PowerCover – A compact, fully integrated system that hides and protects the shore connection equipment within the quay infrastructure.
Fixed solutions are ideal when operations are predictable, offering maximum efficiency, minimal visual clutter, and seamless integration into the terminal environment.
2. ShorePower Solutions for Dynamic Berthing Operations
In many container terminals, vessel berthing positions vary due to operational needs, handling equipment, or berth layout constraints. Additionally, different container vessels differ significantly in design, meaning their shore power connection points are not always located in the same place. This combination of variable berthing and variable connection points requires a system that can easily adapt to each vessel that arrives.
Cavotec’s flexible ShorePower solutions are engineered to accommodate these shifting conditions while maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient power transfer.
- PowerExtend – A mobile, track-mounted cable management system that travels along the berth to align precisely with each vessel’s unique connection point.
- PowerAlign – A highly adaptable solution that can reach vessels across a wide range of berthing positions without relying on fixed infrastructure at every location.
These flexible systems give container terminals the agility they need to serve different vessel classes and operational patterns—without compromising safety, uptime, or productivity.