France’s Largest Shore Power Facility Launches in Toulon, Cutting Emissions and Advancing Port Electrification

France’s largest shore power installation for maritime vessels has officially entered service at the Port of Toulon, marking a major step toward reducing emissions and promoting sustainable port operations. Operational since February 13, the facility is currently undergoing final acceptance procedures and represents a significant technological milestone for the region.

The installation was delivered by a consortium led by Swiss technology leader ABB, in collaboration with French firms Eiffage Construction and Fauché, which handled the construction and civil engineering elements. The system offers shore-to-ship power connections at 11kV and 6.6kV voltage levels, supporting both 50Hz and 60Hz frequencies—allowing the port to accommodate three ferries or a cruise ship at berth simultaneously.

The shore power system also includes the capacity to connect a 1MW hydrogen fuel cell installation, showcasing flexibility in integrating alternative energy sources.

A key technical feature of the new facility is its digitalized smart grid architecture. According to ABB, Toulon is now the only port in France capable of supplying multiple ships—both cruise and ferry types—simultaneously from a single conversion station. This architecture ensures real-time energy management from multiple sources, improving both efficiency and sustainability.

Jean-Pierre Giran, President of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis, emphasized the project’s importance: “This development solidifies our position as a leading Mediterranean port equipped to provide shore power across all docks. Thanks to the support of our partners and co-funders, we are eliminating over 80 percent of polluting emissions, saving 9,000 diesel generator hours annually, and drastically reducing noise and vibrations.”

The emissions reductions are substantial. Sulfur emissions alone will drop to levels equivalent to those produced by 50,000 cars per year. The shore connection system also aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization goals, targeting net-zero emissions from international shipping by 2050.

With the Mediterranean designated in May as the fifth IMO Emission Control Area (ECA) for sulfur oxides and particulate matter, ships are now mandated to use low-sulfur fuel in the region. This makes shore power even more relevant for compliance and operational cost savings.

Handling approximately 1,500 calls annually from ferries, cruise ships, and cargo vessels, the Port of Toulon is expected to see a significant drop in carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur oxides (SOₓ), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) emissions. Additionally, ship operators benefit from reduced fuel consumption and associated costs.

Embedded within this cutting-edge shore power system is a critical but often overlooked component—marine-grade electrical cables. These cables, designed to endure harsh maritime environments, play a vital role in ensuring stable and safe power transmission between shore facilities and vessels. High-performance port crane cables and flexible marine power cables are used to withstand mechanical stress, temperature variations, and saline exposure. Their reliability is essential to uninterrupted energy flow, helping ports transition to low-emission infrastructure without compromising operational performance.

Frédéric Mestivier, Designer and Technical Director for the project, explained, “We’ve implemented a smart grid design that dynamically balances energy demand, stores energy when needed, and integrates renewables like solar. This brings both environmental and economic benefits.”

ABB’s scope included battery storage systems, solar panel integration, and end-to-end engineering management. The infrastructure is optimized to draw power from the 20kV Enedis grid, smoothing peak demand and reducing dependency on fossil-based energy.

The Toulon shore power facility forms part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region’s “Zero-smoke stopovers” strategy, which also includes electrification plans for Marseille and Nice.

About Feichun Cable
As maritime ports worldwide move toward electrification and low-carbon solutions, the role of durable, high-performance cabling becomes increasingly critical. Feichun Cable specializes in producing advanced marine and port crane cables engineered for extreme environments, including flexible, flame-retardant, and halogen-free models. With a strong focus on reliability, safety, and compliance with international standards, Feichun Cable supports infrastructure projects like Toulon’s shore power system by delivering dependable cable solutions that meet the demands of modern port electrification.