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Bars Elekter, a subsidiary of BLRT Grupp, completed a turnkey project that included installing and connecting a shore supply system onboard the Isabelle, applying the company’s most advanced solutions developed as part of two projects funded by grants awarded by Norway Grants, a Norwegian financial mechanism, and EISA, the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, under the Green ICT Programme, a joint initiative between Estonia and Norway.
The first grant, totalling 71,434 euros, was dedicated to designing a system that enables ships to connect to shore power and shut diesel generators down while at berth, thus reducing fuel consumption and minimizing environmental impact. The second one, with a funding of 147,338 euros, focused on the development of the respective supporting onshore facilities.
Bars Elekter’s new technology is both universal and customizable. It can be easily integrated into any ship with minor modifications, taking into account the unique characteristics of a specific vessel. Its modular and compact design is another standout feature, making it a smart choice for any suitable place onboard already-constructed vessels.
Effective vessel connection to the power supply requires specific infrastructure along the coast. To ensure this, Bars Elekter has developed a container-based shore supply unit that includes all the necessary equipment for seamless connection between the ship and the land-based electricity grid. This arrangement simplifies the process and eliminates extensive construction work in the port
The vessel received two containers: one containing “onboard” elements and the other containing “onshore” ones. Since the systems are modular, portable, and fitted into containers, they can be utilized both on a ship and on land.
In addition to the Isabelle, the innovative Bars Elekter’s idea has been put into effect in Lithuania, where Bars Elekter won a tender for shore power supply by the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority (Lithuania) and is currently working on this project.
The Green ICT projects of Bars Elekter are a significant step towards reducing CO2 emissions and harmful environmental impact. The company’s pioneering approach — its universal, space-effective, and adaptable conception for existing vessels — will save fuel and positively affect emissions, noise, and vibration, as ships will no longer need to start their auxiliary engines and generators in ports.