Shore Power Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Component (Transformers, Switchgear Devices, Frequency Converters, Power Cables, Plug-in Systems, Others), By Application (Up to 5 MVA, 5–10 MVA, above 10 MVA), By Installation Type (Shoreside, Shipside), By End User (Commercial Ports, Container Vessels, Cruise Ships, Naval Ships, Ferries & Ro-Ro Ships, Others) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Shore Power Market size was valued at US$ 2,135.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 4,871.1 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S. Shore Power Market is projected to grow at 12.5% over the forecast period. The market refers to the global industry focused on providing electrical power to ships and vessels from land-based sources while docked at port. Also known as cold ironing or alternative maritime power (AMP), shore power allows vessels to shut down their onboard diesel generators, significantly reducing emissions, fuel consumption, and noise pollution. The market encompasses power infrastructure, cables, converters, and grid integration systems installed at ports and compatible shipboard interfaces. Shore power solutions are applicable across various vessel types, including cruise ships, container ships, ferries, and naval vessels.

The market is witnessing substantial growth due to rising environmental regulations, increasing port electrification efforts, and a global push toward decarbonizing maritime operation. Governments and port authorities are investing in shore power infrastructure to meet emission reduction targets and improve air quality in coastal urban areas. Moreover, the integration of renewable energy into port power grids further enhances the sustainability of shore power solutions. Europe and North America currently lead in adoption, while Asia-Pacific is rapidly emerging as a key growth region due to expanding port activity and tightening environmental norms. As global maritime trade continues to grow, shore power is becoming a critical solution for cleaner and more efficient port operations.

Facts & Figures

• In fact, A single cruise ship at berth can consume between 8 to 15 MVA of power, equivalent to the electricity used by a small town.
• Shore power can reduce CO? emissions by up to 80%–90% during a ship's port stay, depending on the source of grid electricity.
• Over 30% of total port emissions are typically generated by ships running auxiliary engines while docked.
• Connecting a vessel to shore power can eliminate up to 95% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and nearly all particulate matter emissions at berth.

Key Developments

• In March 2025, Canadian firm CSL invested over $1 million to retrofit three vessels for future shore power use at Sydney’s Glebe Island port. While the project aimed to be a first-of-its-kind in the Southern Hemisphere by 2026, it is currently on hold due to uncertainties around the port's commercial future.
• In July 2024, the Port of Barcelona became the first Mediterranean port to inaugurate an Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system at the Hutchison Ports BEST container terminal. This milestone installation enables ships to plug in and draw 100% renewable electricity while docked, allowing them to shut down onboard diesel generators and significantly reduce local emissions. This deployment highlights a broader trend toward eco-friendly port operations and renewable integration in the shore power space

Shore Power Market Segmentation

Based on the component

• Transformers
• Switchgear Devices
• Frequency Converters
• Power Cables
• Plug-in Systems
• Others

Among the components, frequency converters are anticipated to lead the market due to their essential role in enabling compatibility between shipboard electrical systems and shore-side power supplies. Ships often operate on a different frequency (typically 60 Hz) than what is supplied at port (usually 50 Hz), making frequency conversion critical for seamless power transfer. This technological necessity is driving widespread adoption of advanced, high-capacity frequency converters, especially in international ports handling diverse fleets. As more ports implement shore power systems to comply with emission regulations, the demand for reliable frequency converters continues to rise, positioning this segment as a market leader.

Based on the power output

• Up to 5 MVA
• 5–10 MVA
• Above 10 MVA

Based on power output, the Above 10 MVA segment is anticipated to lead the market, driven by the growing number of large vessels such as cruise ships, container carriers, and naval ships that require high electrical loads while docked. These ships consume significant power to maintain onboard operations like lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and communications. As ports electrify to meet environmental regulations, they must install shore power systems capable of delivering more than 10 MVA to support these energy-intensive vessels. This segment's dominance is further supported by global port upgrades focused on high-capacity infrastructure and the rising demand for uninterrupted, high-load energy delivery.

Based on the installation type

• Shoreside
• Shipside

Based on installation type, the shoreside segment is expected to lead the market due to the critical role ports play in supplying electricity to docked vessels. Shoreside installations involve setting up the necessary infrastructure such as transformers, frequency converters, and switchgear at the port to enable safe and stable power transfer. A key driver for this segment is the growing pressure on port authorities to reduce emissions in and around harbor areas, especially in densely populated coastal cities. Government incentives and regulatory mandates, particularly in Europe and North America, are accelerating investment in port electrification. As more ports adopt shore power systems to comply with international emission standards, the shoreside segment continues to dominate the market, supported by advancements in grid integration and standardized connection technologies.

Based on the end user

• Commercial Ports
• Container Vessels
• Cruise Ships
• Naval Ships
• Ferries & Ro-Ro Ships
• Others

Based on end user, cruise ships are anticipated to lead the market due to their high-power demand and extended docking times in ports. Cruise ships can consume up to 10–15 MVA of electricity while berthed, as they continue operating onboard systems such as air conditioning, lighting, kitchens, and entertainment facilities. This substantial energy usage makes them a priority target for emission reduction efforts in port areas. Regulatory pressure, particularly in environmentally sensitive tourist destinations like Alaska, California, and parts of Europe, is pushing cruise operators and ports to invest heavily in shore power capabilities. Additionally, public scrutiny over the environmental impact of cruise tourism has accelerated the adoption of cold ironing solutions at major cruise terminals. As a result, both port authorities and cruise lines are increasingly collaborating to implement high-capacity, standardized shore connection systems, positioning the cruise ship segment as the dominant force in the end-user landscape of the shore power market.