TRIESTE – At Porto Nogaro, the shore power system at the Margreth quay is now in operation, allowing berthed ships to shut down onboard engines and draw electricity from the grid, significantly cutting emissions.
The official start-up of the facility took place in the presence of Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Transport Cristina Amirante, who said the project is «a concrete response to the sustainability challenges of ports and of the entire transport system in Friuli Venezia Giulia». The works were completed around one hundred days ahead of the contractual schedule, confirming effective coordination between the Region, economic development consortia, the companies involved, port operators and the Harbour Master’s Office.
Porto Nogaro’s cold ironing system at the Margreth quay stands out for an advanced technological configuration. The electricity supplied to ships is produced largely from renewable sources thanks to more than two thousand photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs of port facilities, avoiding additional land take. This generation is complemented by an energy storage system, which optimises the use of solar power and ensures continuity of supply even at night or when there is no direct production.
Operationally launched in spring 2024 with the signing of the works contract, the project was sized from the outset to meet the port’s cargo-traffic requirements. The system can supply power simultaneously to up to four cargo vessels at berth, via two distribution substations, six quay connection points and a mobile shore-to-ship connection trolley. The photovoltaic plant, with a total capacity of around 1.31 MWp, is integrated with the wider energy needs of the port area.
According to estimates developed during the design phase, full operation of the system will cut the port’s CO₂-equivalent emissions by about 29% compared to 2019 levels. When no ships are alongside, stored energy can be used to power public lighting and offices within the port area, delivering immediate environmental benefits from the investment.
The overall value of the project is around €7.9 million. Funding includes €7.4 million from the National Complementary Plan to the PNRR, with resources allocated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, and around €500,000 from regional funds. The project completes a cycle of infrastructure investments carried out in recent years in support of the port and the connected industrial area.
During the ceremony, attention was also drawn to navigation safety along the Aussa Corno canal. The Harbour Master’s Office has been provided with a new tracking/localisation system for local pilots, aimed at further strengthening operational safety levels.
