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Shore power for cruise terminals
Cruise terminals combine technical, operational, and infrastructural requirements in a confined space. In addition to the reliable provision of shore power, safety, the passenger experience, terminal operations and international standards must all be taken into account. Find out which challenges shape modern shore power projects and how flexible solutions enable a safe and future-proof ship connection.
Key data on shore power for cruise terminals
16MVA
11kV
25kA/s
Four connectors
Challenges for cruise terminals
The requirements of IEC 80005-1 and the safe connection between ship and shore power - the so-called connection dilemma - are among the key challenges of shore power projects.
IEC 80005-1 (Annex C for cruise ships)
The IEC 80005-1 standard series defines the requirements for high-voltage shore connection (HVSC) systems and forms the basis for a safe and globally interoperable shore power infrastructure. For cruise ships, the standard defines the technical interfaces between ship and terminal and ensures that shore power systems can be planned, tested, and operated in a uniform manner worldwide. This ensures compatibility and operational safety.
Essential requirements for cruise terminals and cruise ships:
- High-voltage shore power supply with 11kV AC
- Typically four parallel high-voltage cables
- Integrated pilot wire for monitoring and locking the connection
- Controlled connection and disconnection of the shore power supply
- Integrated emergency stop and safety functions
- Additional frequency conversion from 50Hz to 60Hz required in many regions
The standard defines the safe energy transfer between ship and terminal. However, handling several heavy high-voltage cables in publicly accessible and passenger-intensive terminal areas remains one of the central challenges of modern shore power projects in cruise terminals.
Shore power - case study "Cruise terminal Rotterdam"
Rotterdam cruise terminal relies on mobile shore power system from igus
Shore power supply in ports has become increasingly important in recent years, especially in Europe. The EU has clear climate targets and is calling for a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions from shipping so as to become climate-neutral by 2050.
As a result, EU ports that reach a specified traffic volume are obliged to provide shore power for ships starting in 2030.
Read our case study to find out which challenges had to be solved during implementation and how the solution and result contribute to sustainability.
Sustainable shore power supply at the Rotterdam cruise terminal
In the video: Installation of the mobile shore power connection "iMSPO" at the port of Rotterdam.
To reduce exhaust emissions and noise in urban areas and to comply with the environmental regulations that will apply from 2030, the Port of Rotterdam is relying on an innovative shore power system from igus: the iMSPO Cruise in the trench. When the system is not in use, the terminal is fully available to the public. No permanently installed sockets or similar disturb the ambience. The movable "socket" provides a flexible and efficient mounting point for cruise ships along the 230-metre-long connection area, regardless of the ship's berthing position (see connection dilemma). The system is installed underground in a trench made of precast concrete parts and moves precisely to the desired connection position with the help of an igus E4 heavy-duty rol e-chain. The connection process is particularly fast, safe and ergonomic. The supply is provided with up to 16 MW of power from renewable energy sources.
The result: Less CO₂, less noise, more quality of life - a pioneering step for sustainable port infrastructure.
iMSPO options - igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet for cruise terminals
Technical information on the iMSPO for cruise terminals
Find out more about the various configurations, integration options, and technical versions of the iMSPO.
- Installation on the quay edge outside the operational terminal areas
- The iMSPO moves along the quay wall and positions the socket box flexibly at the respective berth
- Concealed and fully integrated system guide for unrestricted terminal operation
- The terminal area remains completely free for passengers, vehicles, and operations
- No interference with passenger bridges, baggage handling, and terminal logistics
- No exposed medium-voltage cables on the terminal surface
- No tripping, collision, or safety risks for passengers, staff and vehicles
- Keep the terminal surface completely free while ensuring maximum operational safety
- Energy and data transmission via a heavy-duty energy chain system
- Designed in accordance with IEC/IEEE 80005-1 and the applicable European safety and machinery directives
- Maritime steel construction with duplex corrosion protection for long-term use in port environments
- Installation of the system in a closed trench along the quay edge
- Completely concealed system guide without visible components on the terminal surface
- Well protected, the iMSPO moves within the trench and flexibly positions the mounting point at the relevant berth
- Convenient control of the system via radio remote control
- Energy and data transmission via a protected and low-maintenance system
- The terminal surface remains fully usable for traffic, logistics, and maintenance operations
- No interference with passenger boarding bridges, baggage handling, or terminal operations
- No exposed medium-voltage cables or other obstacles in the operating area
- Maximum safety for passengers, staff, and vehicles thanks to the underfloor installation
- Safe transfer of the connection cable to the cruise ship via a transfer vehicle
- Designed in accordance with IEC/IEEE 80005-1 and the applicable European safety and machinery directives
- Preferred installation version for new structures and publicly accessible cruise terminals
- Particularly suitable for the highest demands in terms of safety, aesthetics, and terminal operation
- A shore power system for connecting cruise and Ro-Ro ships at the same berth
- Support of different connector configurations according to IEC/IEEE 80005-1 Annex C and Annex B
- Flexible adjustment to different power and voltage requirements of the ship types
- Connection of cruise ships via four medium-voltage connectors
- Connection of Ro-Ro ships via a single medium-voltage connector
- A common socket trolley for both applications reduces investment and operating costs
- Rapid switch between cruise and Ro-Ro operation without additional infrastructure
- Optimal utilisation of berths at mixed-use terminals
- No impairment of terminal logistics or ship handling
- Future-proof solution for multifunctional port facilities with changing ship calls
- Type-tested and standard-compliant design according to IEC/IEEE 80005-1
- Maximum flexibility combined with high availability and operational reliability
HYBEKO SP S60 DC | Transfer machine for cruise ship shore power connections
- Electrically driven transfer machine based on a modified Genie S60 DC work platform
- Developed for the safe transfer of shore power cables between iMSPO and cruise ships in accordance with IEC 80005-1 Annex C and the EU Machinery Directive
- Integration of several individually controllable winches for the separate transfer of up to four high-voltage connections
- Integration of igus energy chain systems for the protected guidance of the high-voltage cables along the boom
- Safe and ergonomic positioning of connectors and cables directly on the ship
- Defined cable guide loops compensate for ship movements and tidal changes
- Connection area up to 8.5m transfer height and 5.5m horizontal reach, 353° rotation range for maximum flexibility with different ship geometries
- Easy maintenance thanks to the globally established Genie standard platform
- Global access to Genie service partners, trained technicians, and available spare parts significantly reduces downtime and simplifies maintenance processes
- Machine can be moved independently of the iMSPO and energy supply system
- Proven machine concept with intuitive operation, used for decades
- All-electric battery operation for emission-free and quiet use in the port
- Operational at wind speeds of up to 20–25m/s with optional boom system
- Integrated safety functions with voltage monitoring, interlocks, and emergency stop system
- Special maritime corrosion protection system with additional coating for long-term use in ports
- Planned service life of up to 15 years with proper maintenance and inspection
The iMSPO in use worldwide
For years, ports and terminals around the world have relied on igus shore power supply solutions. From container and cruise terminals to applications at RoRo terminals - our systems prove themselves daily under real operating conditions on all continents.
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