Clean electricity at the quay wall

As container giants and cruise ships dock in European and international ports, a quiet but decisive change is taking place. The diesel generator falls silent, and shore power takes over. An inconspicuous yet complex infrastructure makes this possible. And at the heart of it all: energy management systems from Tsubaki Kabelschlepp, which deliver power and signals safely, reliably, and continuously to the ships.

Why is this important? The maritime sector is under pressure. Port cities are struggling with air pollution, international organizations are pushing for emissions reductions, and laws are forcing operators to act. Shore power systems are considered a key technology for the electrification of port operations – and thus a driver of their decarbonization.

No shore power without cable management

"Without well-thought-out cable management, there are no functional shore power systems," Werner Eul, Head of Industry & Product Management at Tsubaki Kabelschlepp, sums it up. "Our systems ensure that the power arrives exactly where it's needed – even if the ship isn't berthed at the exact quay."

The challenges are considerable. On the one hand, the systems must transmit enormous power – often in the range of 7.5 megavolt-amperes at up to 6.6 kilovolts. On the other hand, they operate under harsh conditions: salt water, wind, UV radiation. The solution? Energy chains that are guided on rollers and move, protected from the elements, underground in the quay or in a special guide channel installed on or in front of the quayside. The materials used are particularly UV-stable and saltwater-resistant. They withstand the weather, protect the cables, and guarantee a long service life – even under heavy loads.

Focus on flexibility: two standardized modular systems

With the two system solutions TKSPS.01 for cruise ships and TKSPS.02 for container ships (TKSPS stands for Tsubaki Kabelschlepp Shore Power System), Tsubaki Kabelschlepp offers standardized energy chain systems for various port scenarios. Greenfield or brownfield – i.e., new planning or retrofitting – both variants are possible. "This gives port operators the flexibility they need to future-proof existing infrastructure or equip new locations properly from the outset," explains Werner Eul.

An additional advantage: The systems can be adapted modularly, which also takes international requirements into account. Components meet corrosion protection class C5-M and – where necessary – also the requirements of IEC standard 80005-1. "We document each system in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive and advise our customers early on to avoid subsequent adjustments," Werner Eul continues.

Engineering and service – expertise from a single source

But technology alone is not enough. Planning, implementation, and operation must be seamlessly integrated. Tsubaki Kabelschlepp therefore offers comprehensive engineering services: from the initial idea to commissioning. "Our development and service teams support projects throughout their entire lifecycle," explains Werner Eul. "This also includes training, maintenance, retrofitting, and modernization. All under the umbrella of our in-house ProService service offering."

Particular attention is paid to condition monitoring. Condition monitoring – for example, for recording tensile and thrust forces – allows potential malfunctions to be identified early on. Ready-to-install solutions such as floating carriers with integrated sensors are also used.

Contribution to sustainability: high standards for products and processes

Tsubaki Kabelschlepp also supports the climate protection concept of its shore power systems with its own sustainability standards for its products and processes. For example, production in Wenden, North Rhine-Westphalia, has been certified according to ISO 14001 since 2024, and materials such as aluminum, steel, and recyclable plastics are preferred. The CO₂ footprint of the products is already incorporated into the evaluation during the development phase. This creates technology that is also ecologically sound.

"We are part of the infrastructure that makes shore power possible in the first place," emphasizes Werner Eul. "You can't see what our systems achieve immediately. But you can feel it – in the air quality, in the peace and quiet on the quay, in the reduced emissions from port operations."

Looking to the future: growing demand for shore-side power solutions

Demand for shore-side power solutions is growing – not only in Europe, but worldwide. Legal requirements and funding programs are driving this development. Modern systems are capable of supplying a wide variety of ship types with electricity. Operators benefit twice: from more sustainable port operations and from a competitive advantage over less well-equipped locations. "Port electrification is no longer a vision of the future, but a reality," summarizes Werner Eul. "And with every new project we come a little closer to this goal.”