Maritime conference: "Green power on - diesel engine off!"

Commissioning of Europe's largest shore power system ensures clean air in harbours

As part of the 12th National Maritime Conference, Europe's largest shore-side power plant will be officially opened today in the port of Rostock-Warnemünde. The inauguration will be attended by: the Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaierthe Federal Government's Coordinator for the Maritime Industry Norbert Brackmannthe Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig and the Minister of Economics Harry Glawe and Rostock's Lord Mayor Claus Ruhe Madsen.

Federal Economics Minister Peter Altmaier commented: "In the port of Rostock-Warnemünde, the motto today is 'green power on - diesel engine off'. Europe's largest shore-side power plant is being ceremonially put into operation today. This is a strong signal in favour of Germany as a business location and for climate protection. Shore power enables ships in the harbour to be supplied with green electricity. This leads to cleaner air in the harbours, less noise and overall lower greenhouse gas emissions. To ensure that many other seaports and inland ports can follow this example, the federal government has earmarked 176 million euros in federal funding until 2024 to promote climate-friendly shore-side power across the board."

Completed in 2020 and financed by federal, state and municipal funds, the shore-side power plant in the port of Rostock-Warnemünde can supply up to two cruise ships with electricity while they are berthed in the harbour. With a maximum output capacity of 2 x 16 megawatts, it is the largest plant in Europe. This means that ships at berth can switch off their engines and be supplied with power from renewable energy sources while they are berthed in the harbour.

The shore power system in the port of Rostock-Warnemünde, with total costs of around 19 million euros, will be subsidised up to 90% with funds from the federal and state governments, with the federal and state governments each covering half of the costs. The remaining 10 per cent of the sum will be covered by the city of Rostock.

The green buzzer was pressed by Rostock's harbour captain, Falk Zachau.