Barcelona gets onboard with shore power

Set to launch in January 2025, the system will enable ferries to connect to 100% renewable electricity, cutting emissions and noise near the city centre.

“This OPS system is pivotal for sustainable port infrastructure,” said José Alberto Carbonell, president of the Port of Barcelona.

“It improves air quality and reduces noise where it matters most, at docks closest to the city.”

Expandable capacity

VINCI Energies Spain developed the system, which will initially serve two ferry berths with a power capacity of 4MVA, expandable to 6.5MVA.

The Grimaldi terminal OPS is part of the port’s broader Nexigen plan, a €200 million initiative to electrify its main docks. By installing OPS systems across key terminals and constructing a new electrical substation, the port aims to decarbonise its operations.

Mario Massarotti, CEO of Grimaldi in Spain, praised the milestone: “This brings us closer to zero-emissions ferry operations at Barcelona. Both Cruise and ECO ferries, as well as Trasmed’s Balearic fleet, will now cease emissions at port,” he said.

Supported by EU funding, the €3.5 million system will enter a two-year pilot phase, allowing operators to fine-tune this transformative shore power solution.

The port said that by electrifying port operations, it’s seeking to set a benchmark for sustainable maritime logistics in the Mediterranean.