Enhancing Sustainability and Efficiency: Benefits and Challenges of Shore Power Connection Application in Indonesian Ports

This paper investigates the benefits and challenges of implementing shore power connections (SPC) as part of green port initiatives in Indonesia. As highlighted in various studies, SPC offers a more sustainable solution for port operations by replacing a ship’s marine fuel consumption with electricity, a more environmentally friendly alternative. Since 2016, at least 11 public ports in Indonesia have implemented SPC facilities. The benefits of SPC are substantial for shipping companies, port operators, and the government, as it reduces emissions and improves operational cost efficiency. The findings of this study show that SPC can lower sulfur dioxide (SO₂₎ and nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions by an average of 55% while reducing ship’s operational costs by an average of 60% compared to using auxiliary engines while berthing. These results indicate that factors such as ship type, auxiliary engine specifications, and operating conditions significantly influence the outcomes. However, the current implementation of SPC still faces technical, operational, economic, and regulatory challenges. This paper concludes with recommendations for optimizing SPC applications in Indonesian ports to support the country's transition to greener port operations.