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Vessel Land Connections

Not only do ships need power when sailing the world’s oceans, many of them also need electricity when they are docked.

Vessel land connections have been available in Icelandic ports since well before the 1980s.

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Why should we use land connections for vessels?

These land connections have been for smaller ships, but not for the largest ships such as larger fishing vessels when landing, cargo ships, patrol ships, research ships, and cruise ships. The reason for this is that the ports do not have sufficiently powerful connections and that some of these vessels are not equipped to connect to land electricity in Iceland. Verkís has taken on numerous projects in land connections for vessels.

Land connecting ships is an environmentally friendly solution, as their auxiliary engines can be turned off when they are docked and then connected to electricity. This stops all burning of fuel and there will also be less noise pollution from the ships while they are in the port.

Iceland is among the 187 countries that are parties to the Paris Agreement, which obliges nations to work together to keep human-caused global warming within certain limits. In order to achieve that goal, the Icelandic government has put forward an action plan in climate matters, which examines which areas are viable to reduce emissions. There is a lot of work to be done, in the energy transition of transport. Verkís contributes, among other things, by sharing knowledge and experience.

In order to be able to connect a ship to shore, the electrical system at ports and on the quay must be strengthened so that the connections can provide the necessary power. Verkís has worked on land connection projects around Iceland for ports and energy companies as well as gaining expertise by, amongst other things, closely following the development of larger land connections in other countries.

The land connection of vessels is an environmentally friendly solution and plays a key role in the Icelandic government’s climate action plan.


Contacts

Kjartan Jónsson
Electrical and Business Industrial Engineer
Division: Energy
kj@verkis.is



Shore Power and Utility Connections

Verkís supports clients in the development and operation of vessel land connection systems through multidisciplinary engineering and technical expertise. Our specialists help deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable shore connection solutions that enable vessels to access electrical power and utility services while berthed, reducing emissions, noise, and fuel consumption.


We evaluate the electrical load profiles and power requirements of vessels to support the design and optimisation of shore power and utility connection systems, helping ensure safe operation, system compatibility, energy efficiency, and future scalability.


We evaluate the capacity and performance of power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to determine its suitability for vessel shore connection systems. Our specialists help identify constraints, assess upgrade requirements, and support the development of reliable, efficient, and future-ready energy solutions.


We assess the costs associated with vessel shore connection projects, including electrical infrastructure, utility systems, equipment, installation, and supporting works. Our specialists help clients establish realistic budgets, evaluate alternatives, and support informed investment and implementation decisions.


We develop pipeline and well designs for utility, water supply, energy, and infrastructure projects, helping ensure reliable operation, efficient resource utilisation, regulatory compliance, and sustainable long-term performance.


We develop electrical distribution system designs, including substations, switchgear, transformers, cable networks, and protection systems. Our specialists help ensure reliable power delivery, system safety, operational flexibility, and capacity for future growth and electrification.


We develop lighting solutions for piers, quays, access areas, and stairways, helping improve safety, visibility, and operational reliability. Our specialists design energy-efficient systems that support port operations, enhance user safety, and comply with applicable lighting standards and requirements.


We develop electrical distribution systems for shore power applications and other specialised infrastructure where voltage and frequency requirements differ from standard Icelandic networks. Our specialists help ensure system compatibility, power quality, operational reliability, and compliance with international standards and vessel connection requirements.


We develop shore connection solutions in compliance with IEC/PAS 80005-3, including electrical interfaces, connection equipment, protection systems, and supporting infrastructure. Our specialists help ensure interoperability, operational safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable power transfer between vessels and shore-based systems.




Explore Our Vessel Land Connections Projects

Verkís supports clients in the development of vessel shore connection infrastructure through multidisciplinary engineering and technical expertise. Our specialists help deliver safe, future-ready, and environmentally sustainable solutions that enable vessels to connect to shore-based power systems, reducing fuel consumption, emissions, noise, and environmental impacts in port areas.


Faxagarður Reykjavík

Faxagarður Reykjavík

Ships require energy not only when navigating the world’s oceans, but many also need electrical power while berthed in port. Verkís has been involved in numerous projects related to vessel shore connections, helping ports and vessel operators implement reliable and efficient shore power solutions.


Port of Akureyri

Port of Akureyri

Ships require energy not only at sea but also while berthed in port. Verkís has been involved in a range of vessel shore connection projects, helping develop reliable and sustainable shore power solutions for ports and vessel operators.


Torfunef Quay, Akureyri

Torfunef Quay, Akureyri

Engineering and design of shore power facilities, including electrical infrastructure and vessel connection systems, supporting reliable power supply and compliance with environmental objectives for port operations.