Italy Boosts Port Capabilities for Shore Power Compliance and Sustainability

Efforts are underway to enhance port capabilities to support vessels using shore power, as ports aim to comply with upcoming EU regulations and transition to more eco-friendly systems. Cavotec, based in Switzerland, recently secured orders worth €7 million (US$7.3 million) for Italian ports at the end of 2024, following significant orders for other Mediterranean ports. These orders signify the increasing adoption of sustainable port technologies in Italy, with three new orders received in December 2024 to expand facilities for cruise ships, Ro-Ro vessels, and containerships.

Cavotec will supply systems to support cruise ships at multiple ports in western Italy, as well as work with two ports in Tuscany to provide PowerMove technology for cruise ships and Ro-Ro vessels. In southern Italy, the company will supply PowerMove systems to connect cruise ships and a PowerExtend system for containerships. The delivery of these systems to the Italian ports is scheduled between early and mid-2026. Additionally, Cavotec received orders in October 2026 for its PowerMove system at two Mediterranean ports, with installations planned for 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

Cruise ships require substantial power supplies to support their operations, leading to a growing trend of ships equipped to connect to onshore power. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that the number of cruise ships capable of onshore power connection has more than doubled since 2018 and is projected to continue increasing. By 2028, 239 CLIA member ships are expected to be able to connect to onshore power, representing a significant growth in the sector’s adoption of shore power capabilities.

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