Iberdrola Espana has completed the installation of an onshore power supply (OPS) system at the Port of Pasaia in northern Spain, marking another step in the gradual rollout of cold ironing infrastructure across European ports.
According to Ship & Bunker, the facility has been installed at the Kaputxinos pier and will initially serve hybrid Ro-Ro vessels operated by UECC, a shipping firm that transports wheeled cargo. The project received €1.9 million in funding support through Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, backed by the EU’s Next Generation recovery fund, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
What Is Shore Power and Why Does It Matter?
Shore power — also referred to as cold ironing — allows vessels to connect to the local electricity grid while berthed, enabling them to shut down their diesel generators. This reduces air pollution and noise in port areas, and is increasingly being adopted at ports across Europe and beyond.
However, as Ship & Bunker notes, the environmental value of OPS systems is closely tied to the energy mix of the local grid. In regions where electricity generation still relies heavily on fossil fuels, the emission-reduction benefits of shore power are considerably limited.
A Step Forward, But Not a Complete Solution
While the Pasaia installation represents tangible progress in port-side emissions reduction, Ship & Bunker points out that shore power alone is insufficient to address global shipping emissions at scale. Broader decarbonisation of the maritime sector will continue to require substantial investment in low- and zero-carbon marine fuels.
The OPS system at Pasaia is specifically tailored to support UECC’s hybrid Ro-Ro fleet, which already incorporates alternative propulsion technologies — making the pairing a logical fit for early adoption.
Does This Matter to You?
For vessel operators, charterers, and port users calling at Pasaia, this development may have direct operational relevance. Shipping companies operating hybrid or battery-capable vessels on routes that include Pasaia now have access to shore power infrastructure, which can support compliance with increasingly stringent port emission requirements across the EU.
For bunkering professionals and fuel traders, the growing rollout of OPS infrastructure in European ports is part of a wider trend that may influence fuel consumption patterns at berth. However, as Ship & Bunker highlights, the demand for low- and zero-carbon marine fuels remains essential to achieving meaningful sector-wide decarbonisation — shore power does not replace that need.
Portfolios involving EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) compliance or FuelEU Maritime obligations should factor in that OPS usage at berth can influence emissions calculations, depending on how the local grid electricity is classified.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
