The Bay of Cádiz Port has taken a pioneering step in sustainability with the inauguration of the first OPS (On‐shore Power Supply) installation in Spain for cruise ships, a project developed together withEndesa.
With this initiative, the Alfonso XIII Dock will allow cruise ships to connect to the electrical grid during their stay in port, shutting down their auxiliary engines and significantly reducing pollutant emissions and noise. According to the State Ports, this replacement of energy generated on board will allow for a reduction of up to 96% of NOx, 94% of particles, 64% of CO₂, and 8% of SOx, further enhancing the environmental benefit by supplying electricity from renewable sources.
The project represents a joint investment of 8.25 million euros, with 1.5 million provided by the Port Authority of the Bay of Cádiz and 6.75 million by Endesa, including 2.7 million from the Sustainable and Digital Transport Support Program funded by NextGeneration EU funds. It is estimated that, during the first year, the OPS installation will meet a demand of 8.62 GWh, equivalent to avoiding the emission of about 5,000 tons of CO₂, similar to removing 2,800 cars from circulation for a year.
The installed OPS infrastructure has a modular station of 16 MVA that adapts voltage and frequency to the requirements of the vessels and an articulated arm to quickly and safely connect the cables to the ship. Its modular design will allow for future power expansions up to 24 MVA, simultaneously servicing several ships at different docks.
For the president of the Bay of Cádiz Port, Teófila Martínez, and for Endesa, this project reinforces the commitment to energy transition, positioning the port as a national benchmark in cruise electrification and sustainability. The initiative not only reduces the environmental impact of maritime activity but also places Cádiz at the forefront of innovative ports that integrate efficiency, technology, and ecological commitment.