Container ships can now connect to electric power quickly

(See igus at FoodManufacturing.Live, 15 October 2025, on stand 62)

With iMSPO already deployed at the Port of Hamburg, igus has received the "Port Innovation of the Year" award at the Electric and Hybrid Marine Expo Europe 2024.

The European Union's "Fit for 55" goal wants net greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by at least 55% by 2030, creating pressure on industry, including port operators, to switch to greener technologies. Docking container ships often generate the electricity they need during their time in port from diesel generators, resulting in high levels of CO2 emissions. To avoid this in the future, there is a push for ships to use shore power.

What is challenging here is not only the electricity supply, but the fact that ships of different sizes and configurations dock in different positions along port terminals, and the connection area is therefore constantly changing. In addition, the heavy cables are extremely difficult to move by hand.

Cable specialist igus has developed the igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO) for exactly this: the world's first movable power supply that is used to connect ships at any point along the quay. An iMSPO system can cover a ship berth of over 400 metres in length, meaning that in future, shore power will come to the ship and not the other way round. This gives port operators full flexibility while reducing operating, installation and maintenance costs.

Complete operational flexibility

"The power connection system is a major challenge for the terminal," says Justin Leonard, director of cables and e-chains at igus UK. Berths are usually extremely busy because handling capacity is the decisive factor for the terminal's profitability. The correct docking position of the ship for optimal power supply is therefore crucial. Every day, the terminal capacity is planned for efficient loading and unloading of multiple ships.

"Stationary shore connections on the quay limit the connection area, as the cable feed system on board is located in different places for different ships and the extension length is limited," says Leonard. "Our iMSPO is a solution that can be mounted directly on the quayside and removes any restrictions on the terminal. Rescue routes, escape routes and work areas remain clear and the crane systems can move without restrictions. We bring the shore connection to the ship without having to make operational concessions."

Connect ship cables quickly, easily and safely

The iMSPO system includes a mobile trolley fitted with a socket. An igus energy chain system ensures safe and reliable guidance of the cables. The roller e-chain that is used allows long travel distances with heavy cables. The process is simple and smooth: Once a ship is moored to the quay, the iMSPO is moved to the connection point, then the connection process begins. The socket box is lowered, and the protective cover opens. The ship's cables can be connected directly and easily to the sockets. After that, the protective cover of the socket box is closed and locked to prevent access during operation and to ensure a safe power supply. The socket box is then retracted so as not to obstruct the berth while the power is supplied.

All processes can be managed via a control system. Using the international IEC80005-1 standard, different types of ships in ports around the world can be safely supplied with shore power. This innovative solution for the electrification of ports was recognised by the Electric and Hybrid Marine Awards, by a jury made up of international journalists, consultants and industry experts, where the iMSPO system was awarded Port Innovation of the Year 2024. With this one-time investment, port operators get a mobile and cost-efficient shore power solution, as well as a greener future for the port.