Moored ships still have considerable electricity needs in order to run all their systems, from air conditioning to fridges and lights. The main way to generate power has always been to run diesel generators throughout the day and night, consuming fuel and emitting noxious substances within the harbour and oftentimes in close proximity to housing. 

The INES (Implementing New Environmental Solutions in the Port of Genoa) project sought to improve the situation in the Italian port of Genoa, where the city is in very close proximity to moored ships. The port authority received a EUR 2.5 million grant from the CEF Transport programme to install shore-side electricity infrastructure. 4 plugs for ship-to-shore connectivity were installed, allowing up to two moored vessels to be supplied with electricity at the same time. With this improvement, ships can directly connect to the grid and don’t have to run their diesel generators when they are moored.

As a result of this project, which concluded in late 2021, the city of Genoa can benefit from cleaner air and a reduction in noise pollution from the port area, whilst shipping companies have a cheaper way to ensure their vessels have power when in port.