Technical and Economic Feasibility of Cold Ironing in Italy: A Detailed Case Study

Fabio Bignucolo (), Marco Visentin, Davide De Pieri, Carlo Augello and Nicolò Faggioni
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Fabio Bignucolo: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Giovanni Gradenigo 6/A, 35131 Padua, Italy
Marco Visentin: DBA S.p.A., Viale G. Felissent, 20D, 31020 Treviso, Italy
Davide De Pieri: DBA S.p.A., Viale G. Felissent, 20D, 31020 Treviso, Italy
Carlo Augello: DBA S.p.A., Viale G. Felissent, 20D, 31020 Treviso, Italy
Nicolò Faggioni: DBA S.p.A., Viale G. Felissent, 20D, 31020 Treviso, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-28

Abstract: This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the design choices and economic sustainability aspects associated with the implementation of shore-to-ship electrification, commonly known as “cold ironing”, in port docks, pertaining to the Italian context. This innovative technological solution aims to reduce the environmental impact of port operations by allowing docked ships to turn off their engines and connect directly to the shore-side power supply. A detailed analysis of present standards and applicable legislation is presented and implemented. Therefore, the objective of this work is to determine the conditions that make shore-side power supply economically sustainable and to study the most plausible future scenarios of greatest interest through the definition of possible management models integrated into the national and EU fiscal system. This enables a quantitative and reliable assessment of the current cold ironing incentive policies in promoting this technology, with some guidelines provided for the future promotion of this sector.

Keywords: electrification; green transition; electric ports; cold ironing; High-Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC); Italian Port System (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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