Toulon pushes ahead with power upgrade

Led by ABB in partnership with Eiffage Construction and Fauché, the project enables shore-based electrical supply for three ferries or one cruise ship simultaneously.

“The delivery of this project is an important milestone for Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis as a leading Mediterranean port to provide shore power across all of its docks,” said Jean-Pierre Giran, President of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis.

“We are eliminating over 80% of polluting emissions, saving 9,000 hours of diesel operation annually.”

Simultaneous charging

The system integrates renewable energy, energy storage and a smart grid, making it a key model for future marine civils projects across Europe.

The project, which was launched in 2022, enables the port to simultaneously supply energy to three ferries or one cruise vessel and utilises energy storage, renewable sources like solar power and a smart grid to ensure efficient, low-emission operations.

Operational since February, the facility supports 11kV and 6.6kV voltage levels and dual-frequency (50Hz/60Hz) compatibility, offering flexibility for a wide range of vessels.

It also includes infrastructure for a future 1MW hydrogen fuel cell system.

“Technically innovative, this project introduces a new smart grid network architecture using digital technology to manage energy flows from multiple interconnected sources,” said Frédéric Mestivier, designer and technical director of the electrification project for the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée.

“The infrastructure maximises overall energy efficiency while minimising the carbon footprint.”

In addition to the carbon emission savings, the new shore power provision will also cut sulphur emissions equivalent to those produced by 50,000 cars annually.