Shore Power in Vietnam: Operational Realities for Shippers

The Operational Reality of Shore Power in Vietnam

Shore power, often referred to as cold ironing, is gaining traction as a primary method to reduce vessel emissions while at berth. By allowing ships to shut down their auxiliary generators and connect to the local electrical grid, ports can significantly lower the environmental impact of maritime trade. However, as discussed during the Green Ports Vietnam 2026 workshop held at Phuoc An Port on April 10, the transition involves complex operational and economic calculations that go far beyond simple environmental benefits.

Identifying Ship Compatibility and Technical Constraints

The IMO GreenVoyage2050 resource highlights that vessels require constant electricity for ventilation, pumps, and control systems even when stationary. For shore power to be effective, the infrastructure on both the land side and the vessel side must be perfectly aligned. This is not a universal service; it requires specific compatibility in voltage, frequency, and capacity. A port project must consider the vessels that call regularly rather than assuming a busy berth automatically translates to a high addressable market for electricity.

Technical information must be verified before any service commitments are made. The physical position of the vessel at the berth can affect access to supply points, and a documented compatibility record for each specific vessel is far more valuable than a general statement of availability. Operational teams must distinguish between vessels that have already been assessed and those requiring further professional review to prevent delays during the first connection.

The Math of Usable Hours: A 10-Hour Case Study

One of the most critical factors in shore power efficiency is the distinction between total time alongside and actual supply time. Preparation, connection, and disconnection procedures occupy a significant portion of the available window. For example, in an illustrative call lasting 10 hours, if preparation and source-transfer activities take 2 hours, only 8 hours remain for actual shore supply. If the average load during that period is 1 megawatt, the delivered energy totals 8 megawatt-hours.

These figures demonstrate that the business case for shore power depends on verified operating times. If cargo operations or departure plans change, the electricity service plan must be updated in real-time. For shippers and carriers, this means that the ROI of shore power is highest on trade lanes with longer, more predictable port stays.

Economic Comparison: Fuel vs. Grid

Comparing the price of electricity directly to the price of marine fuel provides an incomplete picture. A true economic assessment must include capital expenditure, maintenance, personnel costs, and the specific electricity charges applicable to the project. On the carrier side, vessel modifications and connection-related costs must also be factored in. Transparent charging structures and clear service commitments from ports make it easier for shipping lines to incorporate shore power into their recurring calls without renegotiating arrangements at every visit.

Vietnam’s Green Port Roadmap: Phuoc An and Beyond

The involvement of Vietnam’s Maritime and Waterway Administration in recent workshops shows a clear institutional commitment to greening the supply chain. While Phuoc An Port has become a focal point for these discussions, the industry must distinguish between workshop participation and operational readiness. A staged approach is recommended, focusing initially on berths with predictable calls and partners willing to coordinate closely on technical requirements.

As a leading freight forwarder, M.T.L Worldwide Transport monitors these infrastructure shifts to help clients optimize their carrier selection and understand how green regulations might impact future surcharges. Utilization, rather than just installed capacity, will be the true measure of whether this infrastructure creates value for the Vietnamese trade ecosystem.

Key Takeaways for Shippers and Carriers

• Prioritize Compatibility: Do not assume all green-certified vessels can connect at every port; verify voltage and connection arrangements in advance.
• Analyze Usable Time: Use operational timestamps rather than scheduled occupancy to calculate the actual energy savings potential.
• Total Cost Accounting: Factor in maintenance and personnel charges when comparing shore power to onboard generation.
• Staged Implementation: Focus on repeatable service at specific berths before attempting fleet-wide or port-wide rollouts.