The European Union has allocated €5 million under the Horizon Europe program for the development of offshore charging infrastructure for ships.
The project will be implemented by an international consortium led by Stillstrom, a company within the Maersk Group. Its main objective is to provide anchored vessels with electricity without the need to run their engines.
The initiative, called “SPARK,” will officially begin in June and continue for 36 months. During this period, the efficiency of the technology and its implementation mechanisms will be tested.
According to reports, around 6,500 vessels worldwide remain idle at anchorage areas, generating millions of tons of harmful emissions each year.
As part of the project, the first offshore energy zone will be established near the Port of Skagen in Denmark. Ships will receive electrical power through dedicated offshore charging stations.
