Port of Tarragona (Spain) has initiated the first public tenders associated with the installation of an Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system at Balears Wharf, marking the opening stage of a project intended to electrify port infrastructure and reduce emissions from cruise vessels during port calls.
The initial phase includes the tendering of two transformer substations with a combined investment of EUR 900,657 excluding VAT. The first installation is a 1,000 kVA main transformation centre to be located within the port’s Logistics Activities Zone, designed to serve as the central node for electrical supply. The second will function as a distribution and protection centre positioned directly at Balears Wharf, supporting the delivery of shore power to berthed vessels.
The project scope also incorporates the installation of approximately 3.1 kilometres of underground medium-voltage transmission line operating at 25 kV between an external electrical substation and the newly planned main transformation centre. Within the port estate, an additional 3.4 kilometres of medium-voltage cabling will be installed to integrate the system with existing infrastructure. A further 840-metre subsea cable segment is planned to cross the entrance channel of the harbour, linking the various electrical components of the network.
Once operational, the system is expected to provide an initial power capacity of 10 megawatts, enabling cruise ships to shut down auxiliary engines while alongside and instead draw electricity directly from the shore-based grid.
Through the implementation of the OPS infrastructure, the port authority aims to advance environmental objectives by reducing atmospheric emissions, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter. The initiative is also intended to improve both air quality and noise conditions within the port environment, aligning the port’s operations with wider European policies promoting the maritime energy transition.