This revised report presents the infrastructure details in ALFION-INFRA: A DSO-Driven Model for Shore Power in a clearer editorial structure while preserving the original facts.

Updated and fact-checked: The ALFION-INFRA project is a real EU-supported shore-power project at the Port of Igoumenitsa in north-western Greece. It is scheduled from October 2023 to December 2026 and includes three shore-side electricity connection points plus studies for a future cruise berth.

What is being built at Igoumenitsa

The project is designed to supply passenger and Ro-Pax vessels while they are alongside the port. Enlit’s April 2026 project article describes three connection points, two rated at 3MVA and one at 0.5MVA, with additional technical and environmental work for a cruise-ship berth. The system has to integrate with the national distribution network and with international ship-to-shore electrical standards.

The environmental purpose is straightforward: a connected vessel can shut down auxiliary diesel engines that would otherwise run for lighting, heating, cooling and onboard operations. That cuts local air pollutants, noise and greenhouse-gas emissions at berth.

The DSO-driven business-model idea

Many shore-power schemes are port-led. The port invests in the equipment and may also sit between the ship and the electricity supplier. The alternative explored around ALFION-INFRA is an “extension-to-grid” model in which the distribution system operator has a stronger role in the infrastructure, network planning and capacity management.

The potential advantage is that a very large new electrical load is treated as part of the regulated grid rather than as an isolated private energy system. That can improve technical coordination and reduce uncertainty about who is responsible for reinforcement, connection and balancing.

Why Europe is pushing shore power

EU maritime and infrastructure rules are creating stronger incentives and obligations for ports and ships to use shore-side electricity over the coming decade. The technology itself is mature; the harder problems are often financing, utilisation and coordination. A port can spend heavily on a connection that produces limited environmental benefit if too few ships are compatible or if electricity is priced uncompetitively against onboard fuel.

That is why business-model experiments matter. The engineering has to be matched by a commercial structure that gives ports, network operators and shipping companies reasons to invest and connect.

Sources checked

The global push toward decarbonisation is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace—and maritime transport is no exception. Ports, long considered hubs of trade and logistics, are now under increasing scrutiny due to their environmental impact. Ships docked at ports continue to run auxiliary engines, emitting harmful pollutants into surrounding communities.

This is where onshore power supply (OPS)—also known as cold ironing—comes in as a game-changing solution. And at the center of this innovation is the Alfion-Infra project, a pioneering initiative that not only deploys OPS infrastructure but also introduces a Distribution System Operator (DSO)-driven business model to revolutionize how port electrification is managed.

What Is Onshore Power Supply (OPS)?

Onshore Power Supply allows ships to connect to shore-based electricity while docked, enabling them to shut down onboard diesel generators.

Key Benefits of OPS:

  • Reduces CO₂, NOₓ, and SOₓ emissions
  • Improves air quality in port cities
  • Minimizes noise pollution
  • Supports EU climate targets

According to industry insights, OPS is critical to achieving Europe’s climate neutrality goals, with ports contributing significantly to maritime emissions.

The Alfion-Infra Project: Overview

The Alfion-Infra (Alternative Fuel Implementation in Igoumenitsa Port) project is a flagship European initiative aimed at accelerating the deployment of OPS infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

  • Location: Port of Igoumenitsa, Greece
  • Handles ~2.5 million passengers and 250,000 trucks annually
  • Includes multiple high-voltage and low-voltage shore connection points
  • Designed for passenger and Ro-Pax vessels

The project integrates engineering, procurement, installation, and grid connectivity into a unified framework. It is a collaborative effort involving port authorities, energy operators, academic institutions, and private companies.

Why Port Electrification Matters

Ports are essential to global trade, but they are also hotspots of pollution. Ships at berth rely on diesel engines for:

  • Lighting
  • Heating
  • Cargo operations

These activities release pollutants that negatively impact human health and the environment.

Environmental Impact:

  • Increased respiratory diseases in coastal regions
  • Contribution to climate change
  • Degradation of urban air quality

Electrification through OPS directly addresses these challenges, making ports cleaner and more sustainable.

The Challenge: Why OPS Adoption Is Slow

Despite its benefits, OPS adoption has faced several barriers:

1. High Capital Costs

Infrastructure installation requires significant upfront investment.

2. Lack of Clear Business Models

Uncertainty around cost recovery and pricing mechanisms discourages stakeholders.

3. Coordination Complexity

Multiple parties are involved:

  • Port authorities
  • Shipping companies
  • Electricity providers

4. Grid Integration Issues

Ports demand massive power—sometimes equivalent to small cities.

These challenges highlight the need for innovative solutions like the DSO-driven model.

Traditional OPS Business Models

Before Alfion-Infra, OPS systems typically followed port-led models:

1. Intermediary Model

  • Port authority acts as middleman
  • Applies markups on electricity

2. Facilitator Model

  • Ships buy electricity directly
  • Port provides infrastructure

Limitations:

  • Inefficient coordination with electricity grids
  • Pricing inconsistencies
  • Investment risks

These shortcomings paved the way for a more integrated approach.

The DSO-Driven Business Model Explained

The Distribution System Operator (DSO) is responsible for managing electricity distribution networks. In the Alfion-Infra project, DSOs take a central role in OPS deployment.

What Is the “Extension-to-Grid” Model?

This innovative model integrates port electrification directly into the electricity distribution system.

Key Features:

  • DSO designs and operates OPS infrastructure
  • Direct integration with national grid
  • Regulated electricity pricing

Advantages of the DSO-Driven Model

1. Improved Grid Coordination

Ports require massive power loads. DSOs ensure:

  • Efficient energy distribution
  • Grid stability
  • Capacity planning

A single ship can demand power comparable to a small town.

2. Faster Deployment

DSOs already have:

  • Technical expertise
  • Infrastructure planning capabilities

This reduces delays in project implementation.

3. Reduced Pricing Risks

Traditional models risk inflated electricity prices. The DSO model:

  • Keeps pricing within regulated markets
  • Prevents monopolistic practices

4. Better Investment Efficiency

DSOs can:

  • Optimize infrastructure investments
  • Avoid overbuilding or underutilization

5. Enhanced Transparency

Clear roles and responsibilities improve stakeholder collaboration.

Alfion-Infra Methodology

The project follows a structured approach:

1. Engineering Design

  • Compliance with IEC/ISO/IEEE standards
  • Ensures interoperability

2. Infrastructure Deployment

  • High-voltage connections
  • Transformers and converters

3. Grid Integration

  • Seamless connection to national electricity networks

4. Environmental Studies

  • Future expansion for cruise terminals

Role of DSOs in Energy Transition

DSOs are becoming central players in the energy transition.

Why DSOs Matter:

  • Manage decentralized energy systems
  • Enable renewable integration
  • Optimize grid performance

A DSO-driven model allows ports to become part of a larger energy ecosystem, rather than isolated infrastructure projects.

Regulatory Framework Supporting OPS

The European Union has introduced several regulations to accelerate OPS adoption:

Key Policies:

  • FuelEU Maritime Regulation (EU 2023/1805)
  • Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR, EU 2023/1804)

These regulations mandate:

  • OPS deployment in major ports
  • Increased use of clean energy

Economic Impact of OPS Deployment

Investment Requirements:

  • €7.4 billion for port infrastructure
  • €25+ billion for ship retrofits

Benefits:

  • Reduced fuel costs for ships
  • Job creation in energy and infrastructure sectors
  • Increased port competitiveness

Environmental and Social Benefits

1. Cleaner Air

OPS significantly reduces harmful emissions.

2. Noise Reduction

Quieter ports improve quality of life for nearby residents.

3. Climate Impact

Supports EU net-zero targets.

4. Public Health

Lower pollution leads to fewer health issues.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its promise, the DSO-driven model faces challenges:

1. Grid Capacity Constraints

Ports require significant upgrades.

2. Data Gaps

DSOs need accurate ship demand data.

3. Regulatory Alignment

Policies must support new business models.

4. Stakeholder Coordination

Collaboration remains critical.

Future Outlook: Scaling Across Europe

The Alfion-Infra project is more than a pilot—it’s a blueprint for the future.

Key Trends:

  • Integration of ports into smart grids
  • Increased electrification of transport
  • Expansion of renewable energy use

As ports evolve into energy hubs, the DSO model will likely become standard across Europe.

Conclusion: A New Era for Sustainable Ports

The Alfion-Infra project represents a significant leap forward in maritime sustainability. By combining cutting-edge OPS technology with a DSO-driven business model, it addresses the key barriers that have long hindered port electrification.

This approach:

  • Enhances efficiency
  • Reduces costs
  • Accelerates deployment
  • Aligns with regulatory frameworks

As Europe—and the world—moves toward a greener future, initiatives like Alfion-Infra will play a crucial role in reshaping how energy is distributed and consumed in maritime environments.

Why the project matters beyond one port

Onshore power is not simply an equipment purchase. A port needs sufficient grid capacity, compatible ship connections, commercial rules for electricity supply and a clear allocation of investment risk. That is why governance models can be as important as transformers, converters and cable systems.

The Igoumenitsa work is useful as a case study because it connects port electrification with distribution-network planning. As more ports electrify berths, shore power will increasingly look like a large new electricity demand that must be planned alongside other loads, not an isolated transport project.

Verification and reader note

This page has been updated to separate the original infra report from later information that became available after publication. Dates, official announcements and later outcomes are stated explicitly so that readers can tell which details were known at the time and which were confirmed later.

For any decision that depends on current conditions, readers should check the relevant primary source before acting. News pages can explain context, but official organisations, event operators, regulators, clubs, public authorities or product vendors remain the best source for live status and formal rules.