Stillstrom by Maersk and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will study offshore charging technology to reduce emissions from idling ships in and around the Panama Canal.
This comes after the parties recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the implementation of Stillstrom’s offshore charging technology at one of the world’s most vital shipping canals, which handles approximately 14,000 vessels annually.
The partnership with Stillstrom is aligned to the ACP’s goals relating to maritime sustainability.
In recent years, the Authority has taken significant steps toward decarbonisation and the transformation of maritime logistics into a cleaner, more sustainable industry.
The ACP’s actions in this field include incentive programs for lower-emission vessels, investments in water-saving initiatives, and a commitment to reducing its own operational carbon footprint.
Stillstrom’s offshore charging technology envisions a situation where ships, awaiting transit or at anchor near landfall and coastal areas, will no longer emit CO2, NOx, and particulates.
The proposed technology will see anchored vessels silently drawing power from a stationary offshore unit, eliminating the need to burn fossil fuels, and release gases, while waiting offshore to enter the canal.
As part of the collaboration, Stillstrom and the ACP will conduct a joint feasibility study to assess the potential for offshore charging solutions in the region.
The study will evaluate how these systems could reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support the Panama Canal’s broader decarbonisation strategy.
PCA Deputy Administrator and Chief Sustainability Officer, Ilya Espino de Marotta, said:
“At the Panama Canal, we recognise that bold innovation is essential to decarbonising global shipping.”
“This collaboration with Stillstrom reflects our commitment to exploring cutting-edge solutions that reduce emissions not only in transit, but throughout the entire maritime logistics chain.
“Offshore charging has the potential to transform how vessels operate while waiting to transit, aligning with our vision for a cleaner, more resilient, and more efficient future for world trade.”
Stillstrom CEO, Kristian Borum Jørgensen, said the partnership exemplifies a much-needed path for the maritime industry.
“Embracing innovation to directly address the environmental impact of vessel operations,” was the direction to take, said Jørgensen.
“By implementing offshore power and charging solutions, we’re not only reducing CO2 emissions, but also creating a pathway to cleaner air, cleaner seas, and a more sustainable future for global shipping.”
Through the auspices of this initiative, the APC aims to set a precedent for other major trade routes, proving that sustainable shipping is a practical and achievable goal.
In other news, DSV has announced leadership changes.
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