walstroom
Walstroom, or shore power, is a system that provides electrical power from the onshore grid to ships at berth, allowing the vessel's diesel-powered auxiliary engines and generators to be shut down. The goal is to reduce emissions and noise in port while docked.
Typically, a ship at a quay connects to a dockside electrical outlet via a shore-power cable and
Benefits include reductions in airborne pollutants (NOx, SOx, particulates) and noise, improved local air quality, and
Challenges include the upfront capital cost of infrastructure and grid capacity at ports, the need to standardize
In the Netherlands, walstroom has been piloted and deployed at several ports. Rotterdam, Amsterdam and other
Standards and regulatory frameworks cover electrical interfaces, safety, and operation. The concept is part of broader