The European Union’s FuelEU Maritime regulation introduces a requirement for certain ships to use shore-side electricity while at berth. According to the European Commission, covered passenger and container ships above 5,000 GT must connect to OPS or use another accepted zero-emission technology.
Dates and port coverage
The requirement starts on 1 January 2030 at EU ports covered by Article 9 of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation. From 1 January 2035 it also applies at other EU ports that develop OPS capacity. Member States may extend the 2030 application to other ports, and the regulation contains operational exceptions.
What shore power changes
OPS lets a ship obtain electricity from port infrastructure while alongside. The resulting emissions benefit depends on the electricity mix, the ship’s equipment and whether the connection is used. We therefore do not apply one reduction percentage to every port call.
What travellers should check
A port infrastructure plan and a ship’s ability to connect are separate questions. Check the operator’s environmental reporting and the port’s current OPS information for a specific sailing.
