Cold Ironing Technology
Cold ironing technology is a method of connecting ships to shore electricity while they are in port, allowing them to switch off their auxiliary diesel engines and thereby significantly reduce their emission of air pollutants and carbon dioxide. The term “cold ironing”, which is derived from the shipbuilding industry, is used to describe the practice of connecting a ship to shore power through an electrical cable. Cold ironing has become an important alternative to powering ships with diesel fuel, as it allows vessels to reduce the amount of emissions they produce in port.
Onboard ships, auxiliary engines run on heavy fuel oil, which is a complex mixture of petroleum products. This fuel is carbon-rich and has sulfur compounds that contribute greatly to air pollution. In addition, combustion of this fuel releases nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases, which cause problems such as smog, acid rain, and other secondary environmental effects. On the other hand, cold ironing eliminates the need for onboard engines and thus eliminates the burning of this fuel and the release of NOx emissions.
The installation of a cold ironing system on board of a vessel requires the installation of a shore connection point as well as an on-board power source, such as an onboard transformer or generator. A system like this can be provided by the port authority, allowing ships to draw power from the port and eliminate their own emissions. The transformer or generator converts the shore power from AC to DC and transmits it through an electrical cable to the ship. This allows the ship to power itself from the shore and therefore eliminate the need to run its auxiliary engines while in port.
Using this shore power system has a number of advantages. As well as reducing the amount of air pollution generated by the ship, cold ironing helps to cut fuel costs and reduce engine maintenance. It can also contribute to noise reduction in port areas, as the auxiliary engines are no longer running while the vessel is in the harbour. Furthermore, this technology has a positive effect on the local economy, creating jobs in the electrical sectors and increasing the demand for shore power systems.
The main challenge associated with cold ironing technology is the high cost of initial investment. Installing a cold ironing system requires high levels of technical knowledge, and it is a relatively expensive process for both the shipping company and the port. In addition, there can be difficulties in connecting multiple ships at the same time, particularly when the power demands of each vessel are high.
Despite these challenges, cold ironing has the potential to make a positive difference to the marine environment and local economies. By reducing the amount of fuel used and emissions released by ships in ports, it can help to make ports and harbours cleaner, quieter and safer for the local communities. In addition, it can lead to cost savings for shipping companies, increasing their profits and ultimately making them more competitive in global markets.
In conclusion, cold ironing technology has a number of advantages which can make a positive difference to both the environment and the economy. It has the potential to reduce the amount of air pollution created by ships while in port, as well as cutting fuel consumption and reducing maintenance costs. Although there are some challenges associated with its implementation, the potential benefits of cold ironing make it an attractive option for ports, shipping companies and other stakeholders.
