The Port of Cádiz and Endesa have launched Spain’s first onshore power supply (OPS) system for cruise ships, enabling vessels to connect to the electrical grid while docked. The project is expected to supply 8.62 GWh annually and cut around 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, significantly reducing port pollution. This milestone positions Cádiz as a national leader in maritime decarbonisation and sustainable port operations.
CÁDIZ | March 18, 2026 – In a landmark step for maritime decarbonisation in Spain, the Port of Cádiz and Endesa have inaugurated the country’s first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system dedicated to cruise vessels. The installation, located at the Alfonso XIII Quay, positions the southern Spanish port at the forefront of clean energy adoption in the cruise segment.
The commissioning ceremony was marked by the arrival of the cruise ship Viking Saturn, symbolically becoming the first vessel to connect to the new shore-side electricity system. Senior officials in attendance included Gustavo Santana, Teófila Martínez, Bruno García, and Rafael Sánchez Durán.
A Strategic Investment in Clean Port Infrastructure
The OPS facility represents a combined investment of €8.25 million, with €1.5 million contributed by the port authority and €6.75 million by Endesa. Notably, €2.7 million of Endesa’s share has been supported through the European Union’s NextGenerationEU funding programme, underlining the project’s alignment with broader European decarbonisation goals.
Endesa has secured a 35-year concession to operate the OPS system at the Alfonso XIII Quay, reflecting a long-term commitment to electrification in the port sector.
Transforming Energy Use at Berth
The OPS system enables cruise ships to connect directly to the onshore electricity grid while docked, allowing them to shut down auxiliary engines traditionally used to power onboard systems such as lighting, refrigeration, and safety equipment. This shift significantly reduces emissions and noise pollution in port areas.
According to estimates, the system will deliver approximately 8.62 GWh of electricity in its first year of operation. This is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by around 5,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing roughly 2,800 cars from the road for a year.
Emission reductions across other pollutants are equally significant, with projections indicating a 96% decrease in nitrogen oxides (NOx), 94% reduction in particulate matter, and an 8% drop in sulphur oxides (SOx). The environmental benefits are further amplified by Endesa’s commitment to supplying electricity certified from renewable sources.
Engineering for Scalability
The facility is designed for both immediate utility and future scalability:
- Current Setup: A modular 16 megavolt ampere (MVA) OPS station that transforms grid voltage and frequency to match vessel requirements.
- Connection System: A mobile device featuring an articulated crane-like arm allows for a quick and secure cable connection to the ship.
- Scalability: While currently prepared to power a single ship, the system’s modular design allows for a future expansion to 24 MVA, enabling simultaneous supply to multiple vessels across different docks.
Setting a National Benchmark
This project establishes the Port of Cádiz as a pioneer in Spain’s maritime energy transition, aligning with EU, national, and regional targets for emissions reduction by 2030. It also reinforces Endesa’s role as a strategic partner in port electrification, leveraging its expertise to support cleaner and more competitive port operations.
Beyond environmental gains, the OPS initiative enhances the port’s attractiveness to cruise operators increasingly under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. As regulatory and market forces accelerate the push toward greener shipping, Cádiz is positioning itself as a model for sustainable port infrastructure in Southern Europe.
With this milestone, Spain joins the growing list of countries investing in shore power solutions, an essential component in the global effort to decarbonise maritime transport.
About the Port of Bahía de Cádiz
Located at the gateway to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the Port of Bahía de Cádiz is a strategic maritime hub in the Strait of Gibraltar, a region that sees over 110,000 vessels annually. As a multi-functional port, it manages a diverse range of traffic, including cruise liners, containers, and liquid bulk. With a focus on becoming a “Green Port” benchmark, the Port Authority (APBC) is currently leading major infrastructure upgrades, such as the New Container Terminal and the electrification of its quays, to align with European 2030 decarbonization goals and enhance its competitiveness in the global supply chain.
About Endesa
Endesa is Spain’s leading electricity company and a subsidiary of the Enel Group, operating as a critical player in the energy transition across the Iberian Peninsula. As the second-largest gas operator in the Spanish market, Endesa manages an integrated business of generation, distribution, and commercialization. Through its specialized services, the company is at the forefront of port electrification and sustainable mobility, helping maritime and industrial partners reduce their carbon footprint through innovative technology and 100% renewable energy solutions.
Source: Endesa | Port of Bahía de Cádiz