•     The ABB-led consortium, including Eiffage Construction and Fauché, has completed France’s largest-ever shore power solution at the Port of Toulon 

•      ABB’s shore power solution is capable of delivering enough energy to cover the needs of three ferries or one cruise ship calling to port simultaneously

•      By utilizing energy storage, renewable energy sources and optimization, the system supports smooth power supply from the grid, while minimizing environmental impact and energy costs

The commissioning of France’s largest-ever shore power solution for ships at the Port of Toulon has been completed. Operational since February 13, the installation is currently in its final acceptance period. The consortium responsible for delivering the installation was led by ABB, comprising also construction company Eiffage Construction and electrical installation company Fauché responsible for building and civil engineering services. 

The facility now offers connections at 11kV and 6.6 KV voltage levels and frequencies of 50Hz or 60Hz, supporting both cruise and ferry formats. This allows supporting port calls by three ferries simultaneously, or one cruise ship. In addition, the port is equipped with the necessary technology to connect a 1MW hydrogen fuel cell system Today, it is the only operational solution in France capable of simultaneously supplying multiple vessels – ferries and cruise ships alike – from a single conversion station, thanks to a digitalized smart grid network architecture.

“The delivery of this project is an important milestone for Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis as a leading Mediterranean port to provide shore power across all of its docks,” said Jean-Pierre Giran, President of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis. “Located in the heart of the city, the port plays a central role in the business community and in the lives of our residents. With the support of our co-funders and partners – the European Union, the French State, the Sud PACA Region, the Departmental Council, and ADEME – we are eliminating over 80 percent of polluting emissions, saving 9,000 hours of diesel operation per year, and significantly reducing noise and vibrations. The reduction in sulfur emissions alone will be equivalent to those produced by 50,000 cars annually.

The shore connection system, developed and led by the Métropole and implemented by ABB, allows ships to turn off their diesel generators in port, supporting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) targets for shipping to achieve net-zero emissions by or around 2050[i]. As of the beginning of May, the Mediterranean has become the fifth IMO Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides and particulate matter, which means that ships operating in the area will be required to use marine fuel with reduced sulphur content. 

The Port of Toulon handles around 1,500 calls from ferries, cruise vessels, and cargo vessels annually. With shore power available, the city will be able to significantly reduce carbon, SOx and NOx emissions and noise at berth. In addition, ship owners will save on fuel costs. The Toulon project is a key part of regional “Zero-smoke stopovers” plans for Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Région Sud PACA) which also include shore power for Marseille and Nice[ii]. 

“Technically innovative, this project introduces a new smart grid network architecture using digital technology to manage energy flows from multiple interconnected sources,” said Frédéric Mestivier, designer and Technical Director of the electrification project for the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée. “The infrastructure maximizes overall energy efficiency while minimizing the carbon footprint.”

The innovative system designed by Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis integrates ABB equipment that can store energy ashore, helping to smooth out peak energy demand from vessels and balancing loads dynamically. This allows the system to work seamlessly with emerging renewable energy sources, with solar power and batteries already integrated, and helps to optimize the cost of energy delivered from the 20kV Enedis grid line.

“It has been an honor to contribute to Port of Toulon’s success in leading this innovative installation,” said Marcus Martelin, Service Line Manager for Decarbonization Services, ABB Marine & Ports. “This can be regarded as a milestone and a model example for all ports in the Mediterranean and globally. ABB’s shore power solution has established itself as one of the key technologies that continue to drive decarbonization in shipping.”

ABB has delivered a comprehensive scope of equipment, including battery energy storage and solar panel integration, as well as full engineering project management. As a leader in electric shipping and smart port technology, ABB offers a wide range of shore power solutions, including infrastructure onshore and onboard vessels. ABB’s shore connection technology has already been integrated by over 50 ports worldwide to drive maritime decarbonization.

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com  

ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation   

For more information contact:
Media relations: Heli Harri: heli.harri@fi.abb.com, mobil phone +358 50 335 8072

Jacob Lundholm on mail: jacob.lundholm@dk.abb.com or mobil phone: +45 2070 6195

For information on new buildings contact:
Michael D Christensen on mail: michael.d.christensen@dk.abb.com or
mobil phone: +45 2012 084

[i] https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/pages/Revised-GHG-reduction-strategy-for-global-shipping-adopted-.aspx
[ii] https://france.representation.ec.europa.eu/projects/escales-zero-fumee-lutter-contre-pollution-de-lair-des-bateaux-de-croisiere_fr