This allows supporting port calls by three ferries simultaneously or one cruise ship. In addition, the port is equipped with the necessary technology to connect a 1MW hydrogen fuel cell system. Today, it is the only operational solution in France capable of simultaneously supplying multiple vessels – ferries and cruise ships alike – from a single conversion station, thanks to a digitalised smart grid network architecture.

“The delivery of this project is an important milestone for Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis as a leading Mediterranean port to provide shore power across all of its docks,” said Jean-Pierre Giran, President of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis. “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 sulphur emissions alone will be equivalent to those produced by 50,000 cars annually.”

The shore connection system, developed and led by the Métropole and implemented by ABB, allows ships to turn off their diesel generators in port. As of the beginning of May, the Mediterranean has become the fifth IMO Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides and particulate matter, which means that ships operating in the area will be required to use marine fuel with reduced sulphur content.

The Port of Toulon handles around 1,500 calls from ferries, cruise vessels, and cargo vessels annually. With shore power available, the city will be able to significantly reduce carbon, SOx, and NOx emissions and noise at berth. In addition, ship owners will save on fuel costs. The Toulon project is a key part of regional “Zero-smoke stopovers” plans for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Région Sud PACA), which also include shore power for Marseille and Nice.

“Technically innovative, this project introduces a new smart grid network architecture using digital technology to manage energy flows from multiple interconnected sources,” said Frédéric Mestivier, designer and Technical Director of the electrification project for the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée. “The infrastructure maximises overall energy efficiency while minimising the carbon footprint.”

The innovative system designed by Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis integrates ABB equipment that can store energy ashore, helping to smooth out peak energy demand from vessels and balancing loads dynamically. This allows the system to work seamlessly with emerging renewable energy sources, with solar power and batteries already integrated, and helps to optimise the cost of energy delivered from the 20kV Enedis grid line.

“It has been an honour to contribute to the Port of Toulon’s success in leading this innovative installation,” said Marcus Martelin, Service Line Manager for Decarbonization Services, ABB Marine & Ports. “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 decarbonization in shipping.”