The energy transformation in Greek ports is progressing
Investment needs will rise to 80 billion euros of the ports of Europe for the next 10 years until 2034, points out a relevant study by the European Ports Organization (ESPO) which simultaneously sets the main priorities, in order for the port industry in Geria Epirus to become competitive and sustainable.
The study is based on the analysis of the investment needs of 84 port operators, reflecting the geographical dispersion and operational diversity of their ports. It is noted that investments for sustainability and the energy transition are the second most important for port authorities.
While this category represented less than 10% in 2018, the share has increased to almost 25% in 2023. In the first place are new infrastructures for the expansion of port basins, piers and terminals.
According to ESPO, 79% of port operators monitor energy consumption, 88% take measures to reduce it and 74% have set energy targets.
Regarding our country, the Minister of Shipping, Christos Stylianidis, has stated that in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment, a large amount will be able to be received from the EU fund for decarbonization regarding the energy transformation of ports with an emphasis on the electrification of docked ships – the so-called “cold ironing”.
However, some of the ports (Piraeus, Heraklion and Igoumenitsa) are already moving forward with their energy transformation.
Access to finance
His research European Sea Ports Organization covers around 72% of EU traffic, while it notes that private companies operating in ports will continue to invest significantly in new facilities, such as terminals, warehouses and industrial facilities, but also in the management of clean energy such as hydrogen, ammonia and biofuels.
It also emphasizes the need for Europe’s ports to gain more than ever access to sufficient public funding as well as participation in special funds from the various EU funds
When it comes to clean energy and decarbonisation investments, the most common investment scheme is onshore power supply (OPS). More than 70% of all ports that provided information on their investment plans plan to invest in OPS. In addition, facilities for the transmission and/or storage of electricity are also regularly planned. About a third of all operators also plan to invest in renewable energy production and about 30% plan to invest in an energy management system.
In total, EU ports plan to invest a total of around €7-9 billion per year in various sectors over the next decade
The proposals
In its proposals, the European ports organization calls on policymakers to provide support to ports, remove licensing barriers to the energy transition while allowing operators to play a role in facilitating renewable energy.
On the issue of gas emissions in shipping, it calls for a defined global pricing mechanism to be defined, but also to ensure a level playing field and funding for ports. It also points out that digitization and smart technologies are critical tools to make the European port industry more efficient, safe and sustainable.
What does the EU regulation require?
According to the Fuel EU Maritime Regulation, Article 6, from 1 January 2030 container ships and passenger ships with a gross tonnage (GT) of 5,000 or more will connect to shore-based electricity and replace their needs with electricity energy in the major ports of the EU referring to the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
The International Council for Clean Transportation ICCT estimates that the E.U. needs to triple or quadruple installed onshore capacity by 2030 to meet the current ambitions of the FuelEU Shipping Regulation and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation.
The energy transformation in Greek ports is progressing
The ports of Piraeus, Igoumenitsa and Heraklion are already progressing in their energy transformation.
In the context of the Green Agreement and the Package of Measures of the E.U. “Fit for 55”, the port of Piraeus has already completed the relevant studies for the clean electrical interconnection of coastal shipping vessels within the framework of the completed EALING program. The PPA has already submitted the relevant proposal for funding from the cohesion fund, at a rate of 85%. The areas in the coastal shipping port where the power stations will be built and will connect the port with the substations that the Organization has are on the coast of Poseidonos, Agios Dionysios, Hetionia and Perikleos.
The arms that will connect the ship to the port infrastructure will also be placed in the specific positions.
The electrification study also includes the plan for the transfer of the clean power that will be required by DEDIE, which has already completed the relevant proposal. It is noted that PPA SA, through the two co-financed by the EU. of CIPORT and EALING projects, has already completed the technical studies for 4 ship electrification positions in the cruise area, however the relevant study for the transfer of the required clean electrical power has not yet been completed. Also, the ports of Igoumenitsa and Heraklion, after the acquisition of a majority of shares by the large Italian group Grimaldi, have announced investment plans concerning the green transition through electrification from renewable energy sources with the installation of an electrification system for docked ships – cold ironing, modernization of infrastructure and their mechanical equipment.
Also within the framework of the “Connecting Europe-CEF” Financial Mechanism, the Igoumenitsa Port Organization SA is already implementing the project “ALFION -INFRA Implementation of energy upgrading infrastructure in Igoumenitsa port” with a total budget of 8,900,000.00 Euro.
Besides, the port of Heraklion has already completed two studies financed by the Connecting Europe Facility – SEF, one of which has to do with the electric port and the second with the use of wave energy.
