€32 Million investment powers electrification at Le Havre Port (France)

   December 21, 2024 ,   Cruise Industry

HAROPA's Port Le Havre (Paris City) is advancing its shore power supply project across 3 quays, aligning with EU's sustainability goals.

The first OPS-equipped berth, Pierre Callet, is set to become operational by May 2025, while the Roger Meunier and Joannes Couvert berths are slated for completion in 2026. Each berth will feature a plug capable of delivering 13 MW, with a total capacity of 30 MW across the 3 quays.

The project represents a significant investment of EUR 32 million, supported by EUR 13.6 million from the French Government's "France Relance" ecological transition plan and EUR 900,000 from the Research Fund for Coal and Steel. Preliminary infrastructure work included a connection to the public electricity grid managed by ENEDIS, requiring the installation of 3 km of 20,000-volt cables and a 40 MVA transformer. This preparatory work alone amounted to EUR 5.6 million.

This OPS initiative is designed to comply with European directives such as AFIR and FuelEU Maritime, targeting maritime electrification by 2030. It also aligns with HAROPA Port’s 2020-2025 strategic priorities, reflecting its commitment to sustainable port operations.

Complementing this effort, Le Havre Croisieres, the cruise terminal operator, is undertaking an ambitious development project to enhance the port's capacity and appeal. By early 2026, 3 new cruise terminals will be completed, enabling the port to accommodate the world's largest cruise vessels, including full turnarounds for ships carrying up to 6,000 passengers.

These terminals aim to achieve emission-free operations, integrating positive-energy designs supported by photovoltaic roofing and energy-efficient operating systems. This initiative is expected to boost the customer experience, enhance the tourist appeal of Le Havre and its surrounding region, and support future growth in cruise traffic.