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 a ship-side inlet. The onshore electrical system is equipped with transformers and switchgear to match the ship’s voltage and frequency, as well as protection and safety equipment. Interoperability requires standardized plug types, cable assemblies, and protection schemes, since ships may call at multiple ports with different equipment.

Benefits include reductions in airborne pollutants (NOx, SOx, particulates) and noise, improved local air quality, and potential energy-cost savings for port authorities and ship operators. The approach supports port decarbonization goals and can be integrated with onshore power generation from renewables.

Challenges include the upfront capital cost of infrastructure and grid capacity at ports, the need to standardize connections across ships and ports, and safety concerns for high-voltage connections and wet conditions.

In the Netherlands, walstroom has been piloted and deployed at several ports. Rotterdam, Amsterdam and other Dutch ports have installed shore-power facilities to supply visiting vessels, supported by government and port authorities as part of emissions-reduction programs.

Standards and regulatory frameworks cover electrical interfaces, safety, and operation. The concept is part of broader port electrification and ship-to-shore power efforts aimed at reducing emissions from shipping. Related topics include ship-to-shore power and port electrification.