The Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority has completed the installation of the onshore power supply (OPS) facility at Savona’s cruise terminal, marking another major step in the Ports of Genoa’s overall transition towards low-emission port operations. Delivered on schedule, the new infrastructure will allow cruise vessels berthed alongside to switch off onboard diesel generators and plug directly into the shoreside electrical power grid. OPS is, in fact, a key driver in reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere and noise pollution produced by the combustion engines vibrations.
The project phased in the construction of a dedicated electrical substation, together with infrastructure required to connect the cruise terminal's quayside berths to the local power grid. With the construction works now complete, the scheme enters its final phase, which will oversee the operational management of the facility, contracted in compliance with current national and EU legislation.
OPS is widely recognised as one of the most effective measures for improving air quality in city-ports. Benefitting from the supply of electricity from the shore during berthing, ships can maintain all onboard services without relying on diesel-powered generators. This contributes to a drastic cut in carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter emissions, with immediate tangible environmental benefits across urban areas where port operations and residential communities sit side-by-side.
In Savona, the repercussions are set to be significant since the cruise terminal overlooks the city's historic Old Docks (Vecchia Darsena), a vibrant waterfront district located just a short walk from the historic centre. Reducing emissions from ships at berth is, therefore, expected to improve local air quality and enhance the living conditions of one of the city’s top public space, used daily by residents and visitors alike.
The OPS installation forms part of a wide-ranging clean energy transition plan implemented by the Port Authority across the Ports of Genoa, Pra’, Savona and Vado. Another key infrastructure project recently completed at the Port of Savona is the development of a smart electrical grid, incorporating photovoltaic panels, energy storage units and IT Energy Management System, that combine real-time renewable energy production, storage and distribution, to support a range of port common user services. Meanwhile, works continue on the development of onshore power infrastructure at Vado Ligure’s container terminal.
Collectively, these investments are establishing an integrated port energy ecosystem that combines clean energy production, storage, smart distribution and quay electrification. This winning strategy demonstrates how infrastructure development, technological innovation, traffic growth and environmental sustainability can advance in parallel, strengthening the role of ports as drivers of economic development, whilst delivering lasting environmental benefits and improving the quality of life for the communities that live and work alongside.
