Twenty port cities pledge shore power for ships at berth by 2032

Twenty port cities from four continents pledged on Friday to provide shore power at their main container and cruise berths by 2032, so that ships can switch off their engines while docked.

The pledge was announced at the annual Global Ports Forum, a network of harbour authorities that meets to share technical standards. Ships at berth often run diesel generators for hours or days to power lights, cranes, refrigeration and air conditioning, adding to air pollution in neighbourhoods near the docks.

"People who live next to ports breathe the exhaust of the whole world's trade," said forum chair Amara Okafor. "Shore power is a proven fix. What has been missing is a common timetable."

What the pledge includes

1. Shore power at all main container and cruise berths by 2032.
2. A shared plug and safety standard so ships can connect in any member port.
3. Lower berth fees for ships that connect.
4. Annual public reports on how many ship-hours used shore power.

Shipping companies said they welcomed common standards but warned that many older ships would need retrofits. Some ports said grid upgrades would be the biggest cost.

Residents' groups near several of the ports welcomed the timeline but asked for earlier action on cruise ships, which use the most power while docked.