Jul 15, 2025
European ports are lagging in implementing shore power before the 2030 deadline.
Most European ports are behind in setting up the shore-side electrical infrastructure necessary for ships to switch from polluting marine fuel to cleaner electricity while docked, according to a new study released on Tuesday. EU environmental regulations have established a 2030 deadline for maritime ports to implement onshore power supply (OPS) systems.
To evaluate progress, the Brussels-based NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) commissioned a study of 31 European ports. The findings indicate that only one out of five required power connections has been installed or contracted, with most ports showing slow progress. Among the analyzed ports, just four have installed or contracted over half of the necessary connections before the 2030 deadline.
Residents near ports hope the new infrastructure can alleviate some issues caused by cruise ships, which frequently keep their engines running in port for on-board amenities like lighting and air conditioning. Pollution from marine fuels includes sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, harmful particulate matter, and carbon emissions.
The study also reveals significant differences between ship types. While 38% of the required OPS connections for cruise and passenger ships have been made, container vessels are greatly underserved, with only 11% of the 294 needed connections installed or contracted. The study suggests prioritizing cruise ships for earlier OPS deployment due to their regular routes and proximity to city centers.
Ports such as Antwerp, Dublin, Gdansk, and Lisbon have yet to invest in electric plug-in infrastructure, according to T&E. In Lisbon, one of Europe’s busiest cruise ports, a multi-million-euro project to connect the port to a power station is expected to be completed by 2029, as reported by the Portuguese government.
To evaluate progress, the Brussels-based NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) commissioned a study of 31 European ports. The findings indicate that only one out of five required power connections has been installed or contracted, with most ports showing slow progress. Among the analyzed ports, just four have installed or contracted over half of the necessary connections before the 2030 deadline.
Residents near ports hope the new infrastructure can alleviate some issues caused by cruise ships, which frequently keep their engines running in port for on-board amenities like lighting and air conditioning. Pollution from marine fuels includes sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, harmful particulate matter, and carbon emissions.
The study also reveals significant differences between ship types. While 38% of the required OPS connections for cruise and passenger ships have been made, container vessels are greatly underserved, with only 11% of the 294 needed connections installed or contracted. The study suggests prioritizing cruise ships for earlier OPS deployment due to their regular routes and proximity to city centers.
Ports such as Antwerp, Dublin, Gdansk, and Lisbon have yet to invest in electric plug-in infrastructure, according to T&E. In Lisbon, one of Europe’s busiest cruise ports, a multi-million-euro project to connect the port to a power station is expected to be completed by 2029, as reported by the Portuguese government.