Mobile shore power system iMSPO plays a central role in promoting environmentally friendly and flexible port operations

With its Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO), igus has developed a mobile shore power system for ports that can be moved flexibly depending on the position of the ships at the berth. The system allows ships to shut down their diesel engines in ports, switch to more environmentally friendly shore power and thus significantly reduce their CO2 emissions. For its central role in promoting sustainable and flexible port operations, igus has now been honoured as “Maritime Innovator of the Year”. The award was presented during the conference of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) in Quebec, Canada.

The igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO) offers an innovative solution for the challenges of modern ports. The system, which fulfils technical standards such as IEC 80005-1, helps users overcome infrastructure restrictions and operationally complex requirements. Not least due to the increasing size of ships, ports are faced with the difficult task of providing every ship with a permanent power connection. This is where the iMSPO comes into play: it consists of rail elements containing a mobile trolley with a socket box. An igus rol e-chain system guides the cables safely and reliably. In contrast to stationary connections, the system can be positioned flexibly along the entire berth. Hence, the power connection can be guaranteed regardless of the size or location of the ships. This concept saves port operators considerable costs: less hardwiring, lower investments and reduced maintenance costs. At the same time, it allows ships to switch off their diesel generators while docking, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Both the environment and the health of people living near the harbour benefit from this solution. The system has already proved its worth in several world ports, such as Hamburg, Copenhagen, Trieste, Valencia and Bilbao. So far, more than 250 ship connections have been made, which have secured a total of 17 million kWh of electricity.

iMSPO promotes sustainable and flexible port operations

For this sustainable port solution, igus has now been honoured as “Maritime Innovator of the Year” ” at the conference of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) in Quebec, Canada. igus prevailed against strong competition: 62 entries were submitted in the new category, which recognises pioneering technologies in the maritime industry. The jury of over 40 independent experts chose the igus system, which plays a central part in promoting sustainable and flexible port operations. Alan Kwoo, Port Technologies Manager at igus Canada, accepted the award: “We are proud of our team and the work we are putting in to help ports and the maritime industry create a more sustainable future.” This recognition shows how important flexible, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions are for the industry. Michael Blass, CEO e-chain systems at igus GmbH, adds: “The success of the iMSPO confirms our commitment to continue investing in new products for sustainable and smart development – in shipping and beyond.”

You can find more information about igus solutions for shore power supply in ports here: https://www.igus.eu/industry/shore-power