The Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority has completed the installation of an onshore power supply (OPS) system at the Port of Savona’s cruise terminal, marking another milestone in its strategy to reduce emissions across the Ports of Genoa.
The project was delivered on schedule. It will allow cruise ships alongside the terminal to switch off their auxiliary diesel generators and connect directly to the local electricity grid while in port.
The project included the construction of a dedicated electrical substation and the infrastructure needed to connect the cruise berths to the power network. With construction complete, the project has entered its final phase, which covers the operational management of the facility in line with Italian and EU regulations.
OPS technology enables ships to maintain onboard services using shore power instead of onboard engines. This reduces emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter, while also lowering noise levels in surrounding urban areas.
The environmental benefits are expected to be particularly significant in Savona, where the cruise terminal is located next to the city’s historic Old Docks (Vecchia Darsena) and close to the city centre.
The OPS project forms part of a broader energy transition programme across the Ports of Genoa, Pra’, Savona and Vado Ligure.
The Port Authority recently completed a smart electrical grid at Savona, combining photovoltaic panels, energy storage systems and an energy management platform to support port operations. At the same time, work continues on the development of onshore power infrastructure at the Vado Ligure container terminal.
According to the Port Authority, these projects are creating an integrated energy network that combines renewable energy generation, storage, smart distribution and quay electrification to support more sustainable port operations.
