Cavotec secures a multi-million euro deal in shore power orders for Italian ports

Switzerland-based cleantech company Cavotec has clinched three ‘major’ shore power orders totaling €7 million for Italian ports, the result of which is expected to slash harmful emissions and improve air quality at those ports.

As disclosed, the company received the orders at the end of 2024. Deliveries for these projects are slated between early and mid-2026.

This development comes as part of an initiative by Italy from July 2024. Namely, back then, Italy notified the EU Commission of its plans to adopt a €570 million scheme to incentivize ship operators to connect to shore-side electricity infrastructure when at berth in maritime ports to power onboard services, systems, and equipment.

As described, the EU-backed aid would entail a reduction of up to 100% of the so-called ‘general system charges’, resulting in a lower electricity price for ship operators when purchasing shore-side electricity.

According to Cavotec, the first order encompasses the delivery of its two systems, PowerMove and PowerFeed, aimed at providing support to cruise vessels at multiple ports across western Italy.

As explained, the PowerMove system is a tyre solution composed of a trailer and an articulated or telescopic crane that performs a ‘quick’ retrieval of power cables and HV plugs, shoreside and shipside. As a result, this project is expected to ‘enhance’ shore power connectivity across the region.

The second order will reportedly see the installation of Cavotec’s PowerMove technology for both cruise and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels in Tuscany, which is anticipated to enable two ports to cut down on emissions and improve their overall environmental performance.

As informed, the third order is for two PowerMove systems to connect cruise vessels and a PowerExtend—a self-propelled battery-driven mobile system—to connect boxships at a port in southern Italy.

This recent development comes just two months after Cavotec secured a different order to provide its PowerMove shore power system to two Mediterranean ports in a deal worth €6.5 million. As per the Swiss player, the first order comprises several PowerMove mobile cable management systems designed to serve cruise and RoRo vessels with a projected handover in mid-2025 and an estimated conclusion by the end of this year.

Representatives from the company explained at that time that the solutions could help vessels operate emission-free while docked, minimize noise pollution, and cut fuel costs while remaining compliant with stringent environmental regulations.

The second order concerned the supply of two shore power systems with a scheduled delivery in the first quarter of 2026. The solutions are anticipated to enable two cruise ships to connect to shore power at the same time.

In February 2024, Cavotec signed a $5.7 million shore power retrofit deal with an undisclosed European shipping line. Specifically, this project entailed a complete containership retrofit, from the installation of the company’s cable management system to modifications of the ship’s switchboards.

Just months before that, Cavotec and China’s COSCO Group inked a service partner agreement to offer preventive maintenance for more than 60 ocean-going vessels outfitted with the former’s shore power systems.