Schneider Electric’s robust equipment is helping the port reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, creating a solid basis for increasingly sustainable maritime operations.
Sète, a busy and versatile port on France’s south coast, has experienced consistent growth in recent decades. It sees around 230,000 passengers a year, and in 2023 its commercial terminals set a ninth consecutive record for the amount of cargo handled, reaching 5.7 million tonnes. The port remains focused on expanding its services, recently adding a new ferry route to Algeria and boosting its support for freight routes to Turkey.
This growth brings considerable benefits both locally and internationally – but unless it’s managed well, it also has the potential to increase pollution – through higher noise levels and worse air quality as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Mindful of this challenge, Sète is determined to develop in a sustainable way. A number of decarbonization initiatives – such as installing solar panels on hangars and launching a fully electric pilot boat – have led to awards recognizing the port’s contribution to the energy transition. In its current strategy, Sète has committed to ambitious environmental goals, and it is taking innovative action to achieve these. Its aim to promote low-emission transport, for instance, is being supported with major investment in its rail terminal to develop the port’s capacity as a multimodal hub.
Like all major European ports, Sète must also make sure it complies with strict environmental rules. Since 2024 these have included the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which states that ports receiving large passenger or container ships must provide onshore power for these vessels by 2030. In line with this requirement, the port decided to develop its capacity to provide shore power as an important element of its sustainability drive – starting with ferries. By supporting ships to connect to the grid when docked, rather than having to use their on-board diesel generators, Sète would significantly reduce its carbon emissions as well as cutting noise and air pollution.
Reliable shore power through proven Schneider Electric technology
Shore power differs significantly from typical electrical distribution scenarios and presents specific challenges. In many buildings and industrial facilities, electrical equipment remains energized for long periods – often for a year or more, until the next maintenance shutdown. In contrast, to deliver repeated high-voltage connections, equipment for onshore power must be de-energized after each use and then re-energized every time a new ship docks. This puts additional pressure on the power system and requires an appropriate combination of robust equipment. In 2022, Sète turned to the proven reliability of Schneider Electric’s technology to meet these needs.
Our engineers designed infrastructure to support reliable, flexible shore power capability at the port, with four connection points across three different quays (operating at either 6.6 KV or 11 KV and 50 Hz or 60 Hz). The durability of our equipment – providing a total power capacity of 6.3 MW – gives the port of Sète confidence that this investment will make a significant contribution to meeting its decarbonization goals. Our PremSet medium voltage switchgear disconnector can withstand decades of use – up to 10,000 operations thanks to the highest mechanical endurance on the market today– before non-routine maintenance is required, and its SF-6 free technology further contributes to reducing emissions. Our dual-voltage Trihal TTVP (Trihal Transient Voltage Proof) transformers are also designed for a high reliability over extended periods due to specific usages on port applications. They’re rigorously tested to ensure optimal safety and performance even in challenging conditions, with top-level fire safety certification and a partial discharge rating less than or equal to 5 pC.
The space available for the infrastructure was limited, given the port’s need to manage complex on-shore logistics. But because of its compact and modular design, our equipment was straightforward to install despite this challenge. And crucially, our technology complies with the international standard for shore power, IEC 80005, which provides detailed technical specifications and ensures consistent connection interfaces globally for different types of vessels. By meeting the standard’s requirements, Sète can continue to play an important role in international shipping – serving a range of busy passenger and cargo routes and providing an inspiring example of sustainable maritime operations.
First stop on the journey towards smart, sustainable ports
On May 20 this year, the Corsica Linea ferry Danielle Casanova became the first ship to benefit from the new facility. Connecting to shore power after docking at Sète meant it could switch off its on-board generator while at berth. The port is now supplying electricity to several other vessels in the same way, with the capacity to serve two at any given time. It will connect around 30 calls this year, scaling up to reach nearly 350 within the next five years. This will allow Sète to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tonnes per year, and emit 70 fewer tonnes of nitrogen oxides.
As well as boosting sustainability and improving air quality, providing shore power will significantly reduce noise. And the move is also creating long-term financial savings for all concerned. In addition to cutting fuel costs for ships, our high-endurance equipment – robust enough for daily electrical connections in a challenging onshore environment – will also allow the port to manage its operational spending efficiently by minimizing the need for maintenance, repairs and replacement.
For Sète, this success is just one element of a wider electrification drive. The port intends to significantly expand its shore power provision – planning to build facilities to connect cruise ships within the next few years. “Decarbonizing marine transport is critical to achieving our goal of becoming a low-emission port,” says Frédéric Boisson, head of engineering at the Port of Sète.
Given the growing focus on electrifying maritime operations and complying with environmental regulations, ports in many other locations are facing the challenge of how to provide reliable, efficient shore power. Schneider Electric’s proven equipment – combined with our global expertise and AI-powered digital services – makes us the natural partner for developing this capacity. And because our infrastructure can extend and adapt in line with changing requirements, it creates a strong foundation for dynamic growth. Recently recognized as the world’s most sustainable company for the second year in a row by TIME magazine and Statista, we’re ready to work across the world to support cleaner, quieter and more sustainable ocean transport.
Learn more about building sustainable, efficient port infrastructure with Schneider Electric’s smart ports technology.
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