TECHNOLOGY
Defining a vessel's operational sustainability
An innovative shore power solution with an unrivalled global networkERMA FIRST BLUE CONNECT is a shore power containerized system designed for high-voltage shore connection, according to ‘IEC/IEEE/ISO 8005-1-2019: High Voltage Shore Connection Systems – General Requirements’, enabling vessels to shut down their auxiliary engines during port stays.
BENEFITS
– World-class reliability
– Tailor-made vessel specific solutions
– System components from top manufacturers
– Access to ERMA FIRST’s global service network
– Reduced maintenance costs
– Noise and vibration elimination
– Low-emissions port compliance
– Extended equipment lifecycle
– Reduction of CO₂ emissions
– Utilisation of renewable power sources
– Elimination of SOx, NOx, PMs emissions
– Protection of marine coastal ecosystems
Operation
ERMA FIRST BLUE CONNECT is a shore power solution designed and offered by ERMA FIRST, enabling vessel’s to be connected to a port’s electrical grid to power onboard services, systems and equipment. This enables ships’ diesel generators to be switched off with a resultant reduction in noise and emissions, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, carbon oxides and volatile organic compounds. Vessels with power demands higher than 1MVA must establish high-voltage connections (6,6kV or 11kV) with the mainland’s power grid, implementing suitable equipment according to international regulations and ports requirements.
BLUE CONNECT is available for: RoRo/RoPax, Passenger Ferries, Containers and Tankers.
* Product range depicted above is design specifically for containers vessels
Cold Ironing
Cold Ironing is the technology that enables the vessel to shut down its auxiliary engines and get connected to the mainland’s high-voltage power grid. The vessel is connected to shore through the Cable Management System. The vessel’s crew rolls out the cable and the high-voltage plug-ins are inserted into the sockets that exist at berth. A power connection is established and the required power according to the vessel’s specifications is provided from shore to the vessel’s main switchboard. The system includes a power transformer that transforms high to low voltage and all the required switchgear to protect the vessel’s crew and equipment. The operation is controlled and monitored by the Shore Connection Main Control Panel. Power changeover supports shore-to-vessel synchronisation to avoid black out upon the connection. The system can also be integrated to a vessel’s AMS or/and PMS.
Cold Ironing
Cold Ironing is the technology that enables the vessel to shut down its auxiliary engines and get connected to the mainland’s high-voltage power grid. The vessel is connected to shore through the Cable Management System. The vessel’s crew rolls out the cable and the high-voltage plug-ins are inserted into the sockets that exist at berth. A power connection is established and the required power according to the vessel’s specifications is provided from shore to the vessel’s main switchboard. The system includes a power transformer that transforms high to low voltage and all the required switchgear to protect the vessel's crew and equipment. The operation is controlled and monitored by the Shore Connection Main Control Panel. Power changeover supports shore-to-vessel synchronisation to avoid black out upon the connection. The system can also be integrated to a vessel’s AMS or/and PMS.