At the beginning of July 2024, the Tenders and Contracts Office of the Port System Authority of the Southern Adriatic Sea initiated the tender process for the design and construction of cold ironing systems (shore power supply for ships in port) for the ports of Bari and Brindisi, a project funded with over 28 million euros. This initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions and enhance the energy efficiency of port operations.
The tender, published in the European Gazette, has a submission deadline of August 8, 2024, with the electronic opening of bids the following day. This initiative is the culmination of a long administrative process now leading to the executive design of the quay electrification works. An additional step towards sustainability is the installation of photovoltaic systems in both ports, which will help meet the energy needs for the cold ironing systems, also supporting other port requirements such as cold chain operations and public lighting.
Specifically, the port of Bari will see the electrification of two berths at the Darsena di Ponente, with a power converter of 16 MVA. The port of Brindisi, on the other hand, plans to electrify two berths at the Punta delle Terrare quay, with a power converter of 6.5 MW, also prepared for future expansions. "The ports of Bari and Brindisi will be equipped with a futuristic system that will not only be able to reduce atmospheric pollutant emissions but also significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs," stated the extraordinary commissioner of the Authority, Rear Admiral Vincenzo Leone. "The electrification of the quays will make our ports more attractive, as companies are increasingly inclined to choose green ports."
