VINCI Energies in Spain has been awarded the project to execute the necessary electrical infrastructures to supply power from the land to the ferries, fishing boats, and other vessels that dock at the Port of Tarifa (Cádiz). The project, with an estimated investment of 2.5 million euros, will allow the ships to shut down their auxiliary engines during their stay in port and be powered directly by the land electrical network, which will significantly reduce harmful emissions and ambient noise in the port area.
The project is promoted by the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay (APBA) and is part of its Decarbonization Plan for the ports of the Algeciras Bay and Tarifa, which is also integrated into the entity's Green Strategy. The initiative aligns with the decarbonization goals of the 2030 Agenda and with the European Fit for 55 package, aimed at reducing emissions in maritime transport.
The scope of the work includes the installation of a state-of-the-art OPS (Onshore Power Supply) substation, a transformation center designated for the fishing area, and the laying of electrical lines that will connect the infrastructure with the various docking points of the port. Additionally, cable management systems (Cable Management System - CMS) will be installed for the ferries operating on the Tarifa-Tangier route, along with 36 electrical connection points for fishing vessels and additional sockets for a patrol boat and a recreational boat.
According to the project estimates, the electrical connection from land will avoid the annual emission of approximately 1,148,000 kilograms of CO₂, 23,760 kilograms of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 7,920 kilograms of sulfur oxides (SOx), and 1,980 kilograms of particulate matter. These figures reflect the volume of emissions currently generated by the auxiliary engines of the vessels during their stays at the port of Cádiz.
VINCI Energies will execute the project as a whole through several of its business units in Spain, which will contribute capabilities in electrical engineering, civil works, control, automation, and renewable energies. José Ganado, director of Ports at VINCI Energies in Spain, has stated that "this project is an example of internal collaboration among different units of VINCI Energies in Spain, contributing their technical expertise" to develop "a key infrastructure for the energy future of Spanish ports."
The work, currently in the re-planning phase, will have an estimated duration of approximately ten months, with the expectation that it will be operational by the fourth quarter of 2026. Some of the main technical challenges of the project include the weather conditions of the Strait of Gibraltar, where strong easterly winds are common, as well as the diversity of vessels operating in the port and the need to coordinate the work with usual fishing and tourism activities in Tarifa. The execution planning has been designed to minimize disruptions to port operations and ensure service continuity during the works.
Ganado has also indicated that "the electrification of ports is a key piece in achieving climate neutrality goals," and that the company works to "support our clients in that transition, integrating innovation, engineering, and environmental responsibility in every project." VINCI Energies has experience in this type of facilities, having developed more than 45 OPS systems in European and Middle Eastern ports.
The Port of Tarifa, a strategic point in maritime traffic of the Strait of Gibraltar and in connections with North Africa, will thus join the electrification process that various European ports are undertaking to comply with emissions reduction regulations in the maritime sector.