The Port of Aveiro has launched a new public tender as part of its long-term plan to introduce on-shore power supply (OPS) capabilities, a move aimed at decarbonising port operations and aligning with European climate goals.
The tender, announced in May 2025, covers the construction of a 60/15 kV substation with two 20 MVA transformers inside the port. The project is valued at approximately €8.1 million and carries an execution period of 480 days. Once completed, the substation will ensure a reliable energy backbone to supply ships with shore power while berthed, reducing the need for auxiliary engines and cutting harmful emissions.
This tender follows a related contract published in March 2025 for the 60 kV “SE Gafanha – SE APA Mixed Line,” which will connect the Gafanha da Nazaré substation to the future port substation through both underground and overhead sections. That project, budgeted at €1.74 billion, has a completion timeline of 365 days.
Together, the high-voltage connection line and the new substation form the foundation of Aveiro’s OPS infrastructure. According to the port authority, the projects will “guarantee the necessary conditions to electrify berths and serve the needs of ships that increasingly demand clean and efficient energy solutions.”
A Step Toward Carbon Neutrality
The OPS programme is part of the Port of Aveiro’s Energy Transition Strategy, approved in 2021, which targets a phased decarbonisation of port activities and full carbon neutrality by 2050. The strategy prioritises energy efficiency, renewable integration, and electrification of both maritime and land-based logistics.
OPS systems allow vessels to switch off their diesel-powered auxiliary engines while in port, instead connecting directly to the local electricity grid. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions as well as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and particulate matter—critical pollutants affecting both climate and local air quality.
Strategic Importance
The Port of Aveiro, located on Portugal’s central Atlantic coast, handles bulk cargo, containers, and general cargo and has been positioning itself as a sustainable logistics hub. By offering OPS, Aveiro will not only cut emissions but also strengthen its competitiveness in attracting environmentally conscious shipping companies.
The European Union has placed strong emphasis on OPS as part of its Fit for 55 package, which requires major EU ports to make OPS available by 2030. Aveiro’s early investment places it ahead of these requirements and demonstrates Portugal’s commitment to the bloc’s decarbonisation agenda.
Next Steps
With the tender process underway, the Port of Aveiro expects construction on the substation to begin later this year. Once both the substation and the 60 kV line are operational, the port will be ready to begin phased deployment of OPS across selected terminals.
Port officials stress that the initiative will reduce the carbon footprint of vessels calling at Aveiro, improve local air quality, and help meet international sustainability standards.
“OPS is no longer an option but a necessity,” the port authority said in a statement. “With this investment, we are building the infrastructure that will define the future of greener shipping in Portugal.”
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