The Port of Toulon has successfully launched France’s largest port electrification project, delivering shore power for cruise ships and ferries.
The system is currently in its final acceptance phase. Led by ABB, the project consortium also included Eiffage Construction and Fauché, responsible for civil works and electrical installations.
The facility supports 11 kilovolts (kV) and 6.6 kV at both 50 hertz (Hz) and 60 Hz, enabling simultaneous connections for three ferries or one cruise ship. It also includes infrastructure to support a 1 megawatt (MW) hydrogen fuel cell.
Toulon now hosts France’s only operational shore power system capable of supplying multiple vessel types from a single conversion station, enabled by a smart, digitalised grid.
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Jean-Pierre Giran, President of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis, stated: “Located in the heart of the city, the port plays a central role in the business community and in the lives of our residents.
“With the support of our co-funders and partners – the European Union, the French State, the Sud PACA Region, the Departmental Council, and ADEME – we are eliminating over 80 per cent of polluting emissions, saving 9,000 hours of diesel operation per year, and significantly reducing noise and vibrations. The reduction in sulfur emissions alone will be equivalent to those produced by 50,000 cars annually.”
Marcus Martelin, Service Line Manager for Decarbonization Services, ABB Marine & Ports, further commented: “It has been an honor to contribute to Port of Toulon’s success in leading this innovative installation. This can be regarded as a milestone and a model example for all ports in the Mediterranean and globally. ABB’s shore power solution has established itself as one of the key technologies that continue to drive decarbonisation in shipping.”
