Port of Harstad launches shore power for ships at Larsneset terminal

January 30, 2025, by Aida Čučuk

Norway’s Harstad Havn (Port of Harstad) has launched shore power for ships at Larsneset terminal, expanding its green energy services.

As disclosed, the system is designed to supply electricity to smaller cruise ships and other vessels using low-voltage shore power.

Plug Harstad – a company jointly owned by Port of Harstad and Plug Nord (Plug North), each holding a 50% share – has invested approximately NOK 11 million (nearly $1 million) in this new facility. Furthermore, the project received NOK 2.4 million (around $200,000) in funding from Norwegian government enterprise Enova, with the remaining investment provided by the owners.

According to Plug, the Larsneset facility complements the existing shore power infrastructure at Stangnes, reducing harmful emissions and noise from port operations while lowering fuel consumption.

To note, shore power enables vessels to switch off engines and connect to the electrical grid while docked.

Thor Mathiassen, Head of Operations and Property at the Port of Harstad, commented: “The launch of shore power at Larsneset marks a significant expansion of our green energy services. By adopting innovative solutions like shore power, we not only reduce our environmental impact but also strengthen Harstad Havn’s position as a leading sustainable port.”

Gunnar Hegstad, Managing Director of Plug North, said: “We hope the people of Harstad will experience the benefits through improved air quality and reduced noise from port operations. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Harstad Havn to realize its vision of becoming the preferred port in Northern Norway.”

It is worth mentioning that in 2024, Norway’s Port of Oslo also officially inaugurated a new shore power plant for cruise ships, marking an important milestone in its green transition journey. Moreover, the port revealed plans for more shore power connections. Its goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2030 and become a zero-emission port in the long term.