It is now possible to connect to shore power at Katajanokka Quay in Helsinki

This week the Port of Helsinki will become an even better neighbour, when a new silent, emission-free shore power system will be introduced at Katajanokka Quay.

The Port of Helsinki has customised a shore power system at Katajanokka for Viking Line's ships Mariella and Gabriella. Thanks to the system, it will no longer be necessary to keep the auxiliary engines of the passenger ships running while they are docked to ensure that they have electricity.  This will also minimise the noise and emissions caused by the auxiliary engines. Even though the limit values have never been exceeded, environmental issues may be emphasised when the harbour is situated right next to residential areas.

The Port of Helsinki has constructed an automatic shore power transformer substation, an extensive amount of cabling and their backup system as well as a cable transport device that moves on rails. There are twelve cables altogether. Two efficient transformers can provide up to 4 MW of electricity for the ships, which correspond to the total electricity consumption of a small city district. The construction of the whole system has cost approximately €1 million.

In practice, the ship's electrical officer can connect the vessel to the system or disconnect it in 10–15 minutes. The electrical officer uses a radio-controlled device to guide the transport device to the ship's service hatch. Thanks to hydraulic boosters, he/she can connect the cables to the vessel by him-/ herself.

The Port of Helsinki is the first port in Finland with a shore-side electricity supply system on this scale.