Shore-to-ship: Enabling the electrification sustainability of maritime transport with the nexus between berthed cruise ships and renewables in the isolated energy systems

Shore-to-ship (S2S), also known as cold ironing (CI) represents an electrification innovation and is among the most significant research areas in the maritime industry. This technology allows ships at berth to connect to the electricity grid and switch off their on-board diesel generators. Article 4 of Directive (2014)/94/EU requests the installation of S2S at ports by 2025. However, the S2S must be integrated in the electricity grid with a substantial proportion of renewable energy sources (RES) to decarbonise ships at berth. The S2S is used at a few ports worldwide, but because of its relatively high electricity demand and impacts on power grid operations, it is still viewed as a futuristic concept for isolated energy systems (IES). This study demonstrates the synergy between S2S and RES in the IES to address challenges of the wider electrification of berthed ships at ports. The EnergyPLAN is used for simulating hourly operations of the IES, including the power and cruise ship industries. The results confirm that integrating S2S in the IES with a substantial RES proportion can decrease critical excess of electricity production (CEEP), operational expenses and CO2 emissions of the IES. •Shore-to-ship represents a viable decarbonisation measure for berthed berth.•Sustainable electrification of berthed ships requires 100% renewable electricity.•The synergy between S2S and RES can reduce CEEP, CO2 and operating system costs.•Coupling of S2S and RES in the energy system enhances the sustainability of ports.