Svitzer targets charging infrastructure in port

The agreement covers up to 20 sites and supports Svitzer’s global decarbonisation strategy as the towage operator expands hybrid and fully electric capabilities.

 Each installation, ranging from 0.5MW to 10MW, will form part of future-proof port infrastructure designed to cut emissions and modernise harbour operations.

“This partnership marks a step forward in our decarbonisation strategy. At Svitzer, we have set ambitious yet realistic targets to decarbonise our global operations for the benefit of our customers, the communities we are part of, and our planet,” said Gareth Prowse, head of decarbonisation at Svitzer.

”We are already on track to meet our 2030 target of reducing the CO₂ intensity of our global fleet by 50%.”

Clean energy systems

Under the deal, Net Zero Marine will finance, design, install and operate end-to-end clean energy systems tailored to the needs of towage operations.

The shore power systems will support charging for hybrid and fully electric tugs, integrate renewable energy and provide scalable capacity as vessel power demands grow.

Smart monitoring technologies will optimise energy use and help ports reduce emissions during harbour operations.

The two organisations have already begun feasibility and engineering studies at priority locations, with further rollout planned between 2024 and 2026.

Svitzer is dramatically expanding its operations.

Earlier this month, it announced it had acquired a 66.6% stake in Norwegian marine services company Buksér og Berging AS, pending final regulatory approvals.

It’s also ramping up its electric tug building programme at Cochin Shipyard in India, so it will want to make sure the infrastructure is in place and ready for its new electric vessels.