Oman's Asyad Group has signed an agreement with Moon Rock Research & Development LLC (MRD) to conduct a feasibility study for implementing onshore power supply (OPS) systems at its port facilities. The first site to undergo evaluation will be Asyad Drydock in Duqm. This collaboration, formalized at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum in Salalah, aims to determine the technical requirements, grid connectivity, and commercial viability of OPS.
Shore power, also known as cold ironing, allows vessels to shut down their auxiliary engines and connect to the port's electrical grid while docked. This significantly reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter, improving air quality in port areas.
For freight forwarders and shippers, the widespread adoption of shore power at Asyad's ports could lead to several impacts. While potentially increasing port call costs due to electricity consumption, it could also contribute to cleaner supply chains, which is increasingly important for ESG reporting and customer demand. Reduced vessel emissions in port may also lead to fewer regulatory penalties for carriers, potentially stabilizing or reducing certain operational surcharges. Furthermore, reliable shore power could enhance operational efficiency by reducing noise and vibration from onboard generators, potentially improving working conditions for port and vessel crews.
Following the initial assessment at Duqm, Asyad Group plans to explore expanding onshore power supply across its wider port portfolio, contributing to Oman's broader decarbonization goals.
