VINCI Energies in Spain will develop the necessary electrical infrastructures to supply power from land to the ferries covering the Algeciras–Ceuta route from berths 7b and 8 of the Port of Algeciras (Cádiz). The initiative, promoted by the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay (APBA), is part of the Decarbonization Plan for the ports of Algeciras Bay and Tarifa, within the APBA's Green Strategy. The total investment for the project amounts to 1.5 million euros, and its commissioning is expected for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The main purpose of this infrastructure is to allow the ferries operating the Algeciras–Ceuta route, belonging to Baleària, FRS Iberia DFDS, and Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea, to turn off their auxiliary engines during their stay in port and be directly powered from the land electrical grid. This way, atmospheric and acoustic emissions will be significantly reduced in one of the port areas with the highest passenger traffic in the country. Continuous use of the system is expected throughout the year, with greater intensity during the summer season.
VINCI Energies will execute the initiative comprehensively through several of its business units in Spain. The initiative includes the installation of a 800 kVA power transformer, the execution of the necessary civil works, the establishment of a 20/0.69 kV OPS (Onshore Power Supply) substation, the channeling and laying of electrical wiring under the port slab, and the installation of two fixed connection points using CMS (Cable Management System) systems, in addition to an additional electrical connection box. The system will follow the international standards IEC/IEEE 80005 and will include a control and monitoring system that will automate most of the connection and disconnection process for the vessels.
José Ganado, Ports Director at VINCI Energies in Spain, has stated that this initiative highlights the internal knowledge and collaboration among the different units of the company, each contributing its expertise in areas ranging from electrical engineering and civil works to control, automation, and clean energy. Ganado indicated that the development of this project contributes to providing the Port of Algeciras with a key infrastructure for its energy transition.
VINCI Energies has experience in this type of installations, having developed over 45 OPS systems in European and Middle Eastern ports. The company operates in the field of transforming industrial and port infrastructures, bringing its global and local knowledge to design solutions tailored to the requirements of the energy and maritime sectors.