The Port of Cartagena is progressing with its energy transition with the award to REGENERA of the electrical power supply system from shore to ships, known as OPS —Onshore Power Supply—, on the Juan Sebastián Elcano quay.
This infrastructure (OPS in ports) will allow cruise ships to connect directly to the land-based electricity grid during their stay in port, avoiding the use of auxiliary engines and reducing polluting emissions, particles, and noise in the port environment.
Regenera will drive the electrification of OPS ships in the Port of Cartagena
The energy transition is also being played out in ports. The electrification of quays, the reduction of emissions during port calls, and the integration of renewable energies into strategic infrastructure have become priorities for the European maritime sector.
In this context, the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of Cartagena has approved the awarding of the contract for the installation and operation of an OPS system at the Juan Sebastián Elcano quay, a strategic infrastructure for reducing the environmental impact of cruise ships during their stay in port.
The concession includes the occupation of a surface area of 1,058 square metres and an estimated investment by the dealer of £15.19 million, intended for the installation of the OPS system. This investment includes the specific substation, frequency and voltage conversion systems, ship connection equipment, engineering, and commissioning.
To this performance is added the public investment by the Port Authority of Cartagena, close to 15 million euros, to develop the necessary electrical infrastructure. These include the connection line at 66 kV, the transformer substation 66/20 kV, the underground line 20 kV to the cruise terminal and the substation equipment supply.
Taken together, the OPS project in ports mobilises an investment exceeding 30 million euros, establishing itself as one of the main port electrification projects within the Spanish port system.
What is OPS important for in ports?
A system OPS allows a docked ship to connect directly to the port's onshore electricity grid to meet its energy needs during its stay.
Even when a ship is stationary, it still requires power to run essential services such as lighting, air conditioning, safety systems, communications, technical equipment, refrigeration or onboard facilities. Traditionally, this energy demand has been met by onboard auxiliary engines, typically fuelled.
The OPS system changes this model. Instead of keeping those generators running, the ship receives electricity from shore. This allows the auxiliary engines to be switched off while in port and directly reduces emissions. CO₂, particulates, nitrogen oxides and noise.
This technology is particularly relevant in cruise terminals, where ships may remain docked for several hours and where port activity often coexists with nearby urban environments.
A forward-looking renewable energy project
One of the most relevant aspects of the project is that the electrical infrastructure developed by the Port Authority will be linked to an electrical connection with energy 100% renewable.
This reinforces the positive impact of the OPS system, as it not only shifts energy consumption from the ship to shore, but also promotes the use of renewable electricity to meet part of the cruise ships' energy demand during their stay in port.
The combination of electrification, energy efficiency and renewable energy is key to moving towards more sustainable ports. It is not just about reducing local emissions, but about transforming the energy model associated with maritime and port activity.
First connections planned for 2027
The development of the OPS system will be carried out in several phases. According to information communicated by the Port Authority of Cartagena, the aim is for the first vessels to be able to connect to the port's electrical grid in second half of 2027.
This forecast places the Port of Cartagena in an advanced position within the port electrification process. The implementation of the system will significantly reduce CO₂, particulate matter, and noise emissions during the stay of cruise ships at the quay.
Furthermore, it will reinforce Cartagena's image as a port committed to sustainability and to improving the environmental quality of its surroundings.
Port regeneration and energy transition
For Regenera, this project represents a natural evolution within its activity linked to energy efficiency, renewable energies, engineering, and intelligent energy management.
The award to REGENERA This positions the company in an area of enormous potential: the decarbonisation of port infrastructure. The energy transition depends not only on generating clean energy, but also on transforming the way large industrial, logistics and maritime consumers use that energy.
Ports are strategic nodes for the economy, trade, and tourism. Therefore, their energy transformation has a direct impact on the competitiveness, sustainability, and quality of life of port cities.
With this project, Cartagena is moving towards a more sustainable and innovative port model, while Regenera consolidates its role as a company capable of participating in complex, strategic and high-impact energy initiatives.