Onshore Power Supply

OPS

Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system for seaports

The On-Ground Power Supply (OPS) is a technology designed to supply power to ships while they are docked, eliminating the need for onboard generators. It consists of three main components: 

The OPS converts electricity from the port grid to the voltage and frequency required by the ship, ensuring seamless integration with its electrical infrastructure.

Ship-to-shore connection system.

Onboard energy receiving system.

Variable frequency ground power supply system.

Key functions of the OPS system

  • Energy conversion: Adapts the power from the grid to the ship's parameters. 
  • Monitoring and controlIncludes real-time data tracking, protections, and billing. 
  • Flexible connection methods: 
  • High voltage (fewer cables, greater capacity). 
  • Low voltage (more cables, lower capacity). 

Onshore Power Supply

  1. No power from the ship in operation: Power-off/power-on sequence. 
  1. With energy from the ship in operationSynchronized and uninterrupted transfer. 
  • PortsReduces emissions and noise pollution in urban areas. 
  • Cruise terminals: Stable power for onboard services. 
  • Industrial docks: Supports high-load operations efficiently. 

Environmental and economic benefits: 

  • Emissions reduction (sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides) and noise. 
  • Complies with global regulations (e.g., “green port” initiatives). 
  • Fuel savings and maintenance costs for shipping operators. 
  • High efficiency (>96%) and stable power quality. 
  • Advanced protections: Control de sobrecorriente, potencia inversa y distorsión armónica. 
  • ScalabilityAdaptable to ships of different sizes and requirements. 

Applications

The OPS system is used in ports to power cruise ships, ferries, and cargo ships, especially in large-tonnage vessels with high power demands (>1.6 MVA), where high-voltage connections simplify operations and save space. 

Successful Projects

Dongfang Electronics has implemented OPS systems in ports in China, notably: 

  • Wanhua Terminal (Yantai): 1.6 MVA variable frequency system. 
  • Daxie Terminal (Ningbo): 5 MVA high-voltage solution for large ships. 
  • Bohai Ferry Fleet: 2 MVA connections for six ferries. 

Key achievements:

+ 20

facilities in major ports.

Support

for variable frequency and network frequency

Proven capability

in ranges from 5 MVA (high voltage) to 630 kVA (low voltage).