The Port of Barcelona has officially launched its first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) project for cruise ships, marking a major step in its wider electrification strategy. The initiative, awarded to Danish engineering firm PowerCon A/S, will focus on installing a shore power system at the MSC terminal on the Adossat wharf.
The €12.2 million contract includes not only the design and installation of the OPS system but also the necessary civil works and cabling to link the terminal with a dedicated power distribution centre. Once operational, the system will allow cruise ships to plug into the local grid while docked, cutting emissions and reducing noise in port.
“The MSC terminal OPS is scheduled to come on stream in 2027, along with the substation that we will use to deliver 100% renewable electricity to all terminals. It will be a pivotal year for electrification of the Port of Barcelona wharves”, said Ana Arévalo, head of the Shorepower department, Port of Barcelona.
