Are EU ports ready for shore power?

Meeting Europe’s 2030 OPS targets will take more than grid connections

While flagship ports like Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Gothenburg lead in Onshore Power Supply (OPS) deployment, most European ports are exploring how they will facilitate the greater use of OPS to meet 2030 FuelEU Maritime targets. High costs, limited grid capacity, and infrastructure delays understandably mean that many ports risk having berths that won’t meet the needs of container and passenger ships.

What is Onshore Power Supply?

Onshore Power Supply (OPS), also called shore power or “cold ironing,” allows vessels to plug into land-based electricity while at berth, switching off auxiliary engines. This eliminates most at-berth greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollutants like NOₓ, SOₓ, and particulate matter.

The EU treats OPS as a central emissions-reduction tool. From 1 January 2030, FuelEU Maritime will require container and passenger ships above 5,000 GT to connect to OPS – or use an equivalent zero-emission technology – at core TEN-T ports. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) further compels core and comprehensive TEN-T ports to install OPS by 31 December 2029, while also encouraging flexible, modular, and mobile systems suited to different port layouts and vessel types.

So, are EU ports ready to meet higher onshore power demands?

Only 58% of EU ports currently have OPS capability (ESPO, 2024). Even in ports where OPS is available, coverage may be limited to a few berths. Large, multi-berth installations are generally concentrated in Tier 1 ports, leaving regional and inland facilities underserved.

The barriers are significant. OPS installation costs range from €200,000 to €6 million per berth, excluding the estimated €584 billion needed for EU-wide grid upgrades. Many urban ports compete for electricity with other sectors – from housing to heavy industry – in grids already stretched by electrification. Power allocation can shift during seasonal peaks, extreme weather events, or emergencies, creating uncertainty for planners.

Grid expansions can often take five to 15 years due to the time required for permits and construction. With the 2030 deadline approaching, some ports will not complete upgrades in time. Without alternatives, vessels calling at these locations risk being unable to comply, potentially facing fines or operational disruptions.

What happens when OPS isn’t available?

FuelEU Maritime allows “equivalent zero-emission technologies” where grid-based OPS is not an option. This is crucial for smaller ports without high-capacity grid connections, mixed-use terminals where OPS isn’t installed at every berth, and in locations where simultaneous high-load demands could overload the grid.

In such cases, relying solely on grid expansion is impractical. High upfront capital requirements, competitive electricity pricing pressures, and complex regulatory processes can further delay projects. The 2025-2034 Shore Power Market report notes that while fixed systems dominate installations, mobile and modular solutions are emerging as an important niche – providing the flexibility needed when permanent OPS is unfeasible.

How do methanol-to-hydrogen systems compare to OPS?

e1 Marine’s containerized methanol-to-hydrogen generators deliver OPS-equivalent performance without grid dependency. They produce fuel-cell-grade hydrogen on demand using methanol and water to generate clean electricity, and can be deployed in months, not years – without major grid upgrades or substations.

Local air quality improvements are also significant. An independent study by Thetius demonstrated that our technology can deliver a 10-27% GHG reduction with grey methanol, ~50% with a green/grey blend, and up to 85% with green methanol alongside over 99% reductions in NOₓ, PM, CO, and hydrocarbons compared to diesel.

Mobile and modular by design, these units can power vessels at berth, charge battery-electric ships, run hybrid cranes and reefer units, or serve as backup power during outages. They also integrate into port microgrids, improving resilience against grid disruptions.

Closing the readiness gap

The fastest path forward is a hybrid strategy: install fixed OPS where funding and grid capacity exist, and deploy modular systems to cover smaller ports, underserved berths, and transitional needs. This approach ensures compliance, maintains service continuity, and delivers emissions reductions now – even when infrastructure projects overrun budgets or timelines.

e1 Marine’s technology is not designed to compete with or replace traditional OPS – it’s built to complement it. Collaboration, not competition, will define the next phase of maritime decarbonization, ensuring all vessel types and port sizes can meet emissions targets.

Final thought

OPS will remain a cornerstone of Europe’s maritime decarbonization strategy. Flexibility will determine how widely and quickly emissions fall. It will also shape the customer experience around compliance in ports. e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen systems give ports and vessel operators a proven, scalable, and cost-effective way to meet regulatory targets without waiting for grid expansion.

Whether installed onboard smaller vessels, recharging hybrid port equipment, or supplying grid-independent OPS, these systems are helping close the readiness gap – while future proofing operations for a zero-emission maritime future.

Want to learn more about how we’re enabling clean power for ports and vessels across Europe? Contact us today