The Swedish Terntank has carried out the first connection to an onshore power supply (OPS) facility, at the Port of Gävle, with a tanker - though without any electricity running through the cable.

The test was done with Tern Fors, whose crane was used to hoist the OPS cable from Gävle's brand-new cold ironing installation.

The test was performed to go through the connecting checklist, ensuring that safety is maintained throughout the whole process (including manual and automatic steps).

OPS-connecting a tanker differs from cold ironing other vessel types, as the risk of explosion is ever-present when flammable cargo is being handled.

The quay installation sits within a container with an overpressure of air, so no ignitable gases can get in. On board the ship, nitrogen is pumped to lower the oxygen content below 5% to minimise the risk of a spark causing fire.

Terntank and the Port of Gävle intend to fully connect the former's vessel under the next port call.

"It went extremely well; it's a system that will function well. It will enable us to make our port operations emission-free, lower urban pollution and improve air quality. Noise will be reduced too, both under and above the water level, which is in line with our long-term goal sustainability activities of becoming emission-free by 2040," Claes Möller, CEO of Tärntank Ship Management, commented.

He also underscored the importance of the Green Cable project, led by the Port of Gothenburg, aiming to develop a global standard for cold ironing tankers in hazardous environments.

Source: Sjöfartstidningen

Photo: Terntank