Cuerva starts preparations for the implementation of an OPS in the Port of Alcúdia, Mallorca.
The installation will be able to supply energy to ferries at medium voltage (1,600 kW) and will be ready to be completed with another low-voltage connection (800 kW), which will also be able to connect fast-ferries.
Project financed by the European Union, within the NextGenerationEU programme.
Granada. 28/11/2024. Cuerva, a company committed to sustainable energy models and transformers, will be in charge of executing the works for the installation of an OPS (Onshore Power Supply) system in the Port of Alcúdia, Mallorca.
This project, which is expected to be completed in 2025, will make Alcúdia one of the first Spanish ports* to implement this innovative technology, marking a milestone in the transition towards a more sustainable port sector.
*In Spain, onshore power supply (OPS) projects are progressing at a good pace. This technology is currently in operation in Melilla, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Palma and Las Palmas; as well as the construction or study of these infrastructures in key ports such as Cadiz, Valencia, Barcelona, Algeciras and Seville, consolidating the country's commitment to port sustainability.
Process details
The OPS system will allow ships to connect to the shore power grid while at berth, eliminating the need to keep their auxiliary engines running and significantly reducing pollutant gas emissions.
The works include:
- Design and installation of advanced electrical infrastructure, adapted to the needs of different types of vessels.
- Sufficient installed capacity to serve several vessels simultaneously.
- Fast and safe connection procedures, complying with the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability.
The work will be carried out by the UTE Infraestructura Elect (Serveo, Urbia and Cuerva), which will contribute its experience in port electrification projects and the development of sustainable infrastructures.
Benefits for Alcúdia port
With the implementation of the OPS in Alcúdia, important advances in sustainability will be achieved, such as:
Decarbonisation of the port, by reducing CO₂ emissions and other polluting gases from docked vessels.
Reduction of noise pollution in the port facilities, improving the quality of life of workers and the local community.
Strategic positioning of the Port of Alcúdia as one of the first in Spain to implement this technology, consolidating the Balearic Islands Port Authority's leadership in port sustainability and innovation.
A further step towards a sustainable future
This project reinforces the global strategy* of the Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) for the electrification of maritime transport, with the aim of achieving more sustainable shipping.
‘It is a pleasure for Cuerva to be part of this project which reflects our strong commitment to the decarbonisation of the port sector. We are proud to contribute our experience and know-how in the field of energy transformation which is reflected in parallel initiatives such as Green Motril, one of our most unique projects that integrates renewable energy generation, storage and electric mobility, being a benchmark for other ports in Spain as it will be for Alcudia’. - Jose Luis Otero, Head of Energy Industrial Works and Installations at Cuerva.
The installation of the OPS in Alcúdia not only contributes to the sustainable modernisation of the Spanish port sector, but is also a further demonstration of the commitment to lead a transition towards more responsible and sustainable models in the region.
*In this regard, the APB has planned an investment of around 100 million euros up to 2030 to electrify the quays of the five ports of general interest, aimed at supplying energy to ferries and cruise ships. The success achieved with the installation of the OPS system in the Port of Palma will soon be followed by that of Alcúdia, and another two points will soon be awarded in the port of Eivissa and one more in the port of Maó.
*Photo property of APB.
