Venice, 9 December 2008 The Port Authority of Civitavecchia, Fiumicino and Gaeta and Enel, with the technical support of Fincantieri, have developed a path-breaking project that, in compliance with international technical standards, will enable cruise ships visiting the Port of Civitavecchia to shut down their on-board generators and use zero-emission electricity generated from renewable resources (High Voltage Shore Connection Technology).
The project, which will involve a pilot quay in the cruise terminal at the Mediterraneans leading cruise port (an estimated 1,800,000 passengers in 2008), was presented today at a joint press conference held at the SeatradeMed Cruise & Superyacht Convention in Venice.
The initiative, which is being pursued within the framework of last Marchs agreement between the Port Authority and Enel, is an integral part of the Port of Civitavecchia Energy Plan, which provides for extensive use of renewable energy resources, such as photovoltaic and wind power, and the adoption of advanced systems to help save electricity in public lighting and in managing/measuring consumption.
The development of the project required special studies conducted in conjunction with the cruise lines, to resolve issues concerning ship operations, and with leading companies in the electrical plant industry, to identify the most innovative technologies available.
Fincantieri contributed its experience in electricity generation and distribution systems, both in ship construction and participation in the leading international bodies, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission. Enel was therefore able develop the on-shore network to comply with the specific voltage, frequency and power requirements of passenger ships, thereby ensuring maximum on-board safety and reliability.
More than 4,000 vessels visit the Port of Civitavecchia every year, of which some 1,000 are cruise ships. When moored, the latter absorb a considerable amount of power (up to 16 MW), generated by burning fossil fuels. A first step in the process was to initiate discussions with the cruise lines to persuade them to use low-sulphur fuel, moving before the entry into force of new environmental regulations.
Fabio Ciani, President of the Port Authority, remarks: Civitavecchia is the first port in the Mediterranean, and one of the very few in the world, to implement a project to provide on-shore power supply to visiting ships. We are continuing our objective of combining development and environmental protection, diversifying energy sources in the three ports we operate, with a special focus on renewables.
Technological innovation, environmental protection and local development says Livio Gallo, head of Enels Infrastructure and Networks Division, are the values that are driving Enels participation in the quay electrification project at the port. The use of high technology to safeguard the environment is exemplified in this world-leading project. This collaboration with the Port Authority and Fincantieri represents the future of Italian ports.
Emilio Palma, Corporate General Manager of Fincantieri, commented: We are pleased to have been able to contribute, together with the Port Authority of Civitavecchia and Enel, to the development of an initiative aimed at protecting the environment, an objective that is also being vigorously pursued by our ship operator customers. We are confident that the solution presented today will serve as a precedent for other ports in Italy and abroad.