Mobile "socket" from igus makes supplying container ships with shore power safe, fast and flexible

igus develops the world's first mobile shore power connection system and receives the EHM Award for the Ports and Harbor Innovation of the Year

With the igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO), igus has developed a mobile connection system for shore power supply that can be positioned at any location along the terminal where a ship is berthed. This solution, which is already in use at the Port of Hamburg, received the "Ports and Harbor Innovation of the Year" award at the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe 2024 in Amsterdam.

Net greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by at least 55% by 2030. At least that is the European Union's "Fit for 55" target. As a result, the pressure on European port operators to switch to more environmentally friendly technologies is also increasing. The vessels normally use diesel generators to produce the electricity they need while berthing at the terminal, emitting huge amounts of CO2. To reduce emissions, cargo ships shall use shore power in future. The challenge is not just the power supply itself, but the fact that ships of different sizes with different onboard cable management system configurations berth at different positions along the terminals and the connection point is constantly changing. Misalignments create the need to carry heavy cables to make connections which are left exposed on the terminal deck, The igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO) precisely addresses this problem: the world's first mobile "socket" allows ships to be connected anywhere along the berth. An iMSPO system can cover a berth of 400m or more in length. The system allows the shore power to be adjusted to the vessels position and not the vessel adjusting to the available shore power outlets. This gives terminal operators full flexibility for planning connections while reducing operating, installation and maintenance costs.

Complete operational flexibility

"The ability to make connections poses a major challenge for the terminal," says Martin Tiling, Head of Shore Power at igus. The berthing plans are highly optimized as handling capacity is the decisive factor for a terminal's profitability. The correct berthing position of the ship is crucial for an optimal loading process. The ability to react to changing situations such as vessel schedule changes and unplanned downtime on container handling equipment is necessary toensure efficient loading and unloading. "Stationary shore connections on the quay restrict the ability to connect as the cable reel system onboard can be in different positions and the cable length is limited," says Tiling. "With our iMSPO, we have developed a solution that can be installed directly on the quayside and does not create any restrictions on the terminal. Rescue routes, escape ladders and work areas remain clear and the cranes can be moved without restriction. We can bring the shore connection to the ship without having to make operational concessions.

Connect marine cables easily, quickly and safely

The iMSPO system consists of track elements on which a mobile trolley with a socket box is installed. An igus energy chain system guides the cables safely and reliably. The rol e-chain allows for long travels with heavy cable packages. And this is how it works: as soon as the ship is moored at the quay, the iMSPO is moved to the connection point. Then the connection process begins: the socket box is lowered and the protective cover swings open. The ship's cables can be connected directly and easily to the sockets.  The protective cover of the socket box is closed and locked to prevent access during operation and to ensure safe power supply. The socket box then raises again to prevent obstruction of the berth during power supply. All movements can be operated via a remote control pendant. The international IEC80005-1 standard ensures that the different types of ships in the various harbours around the world can be safely supplied with shore power. This innovative solution for the electrification of ports was also recognized by the panel of the Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards, consisting of international journalists, consultants and industry experts, who named the iMSPO system Ports and Harbor Innovation of the Year for 2024. With a one-time investment, port operators receive a flexible and cost-effective solution that will prove itself over decades – and are perfectly prepared for a green future for ports.