Page 42: of Marine News Magazine (October 2023)

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Tech File

Propane

Powering Ports with Alternative

Energy Source: Propane

By Jim Bunsey, Propane Education & Research Council

Ef? cient, reliable power supply is essential to port opera- while docked, allowing ships to maintain fundamental ves- tions throughout the world. As research into off-shore energy sel functions without running auxiliary engines and burn- and alternative fuels continues, it’s important to keep in mind ing diesel fuel. Shore power is often connected to the grid the resources available now to provide prime and supplemental but can also be powered by microgrids. A microgrid is a power for port operations. From portable generators and shore local energy grid with control capability, which means it can power to ? eet vehicles, alternative energy sources like propane disconnect from the traditional grid and operate autono- have the potential to power a variety of port applications. mously. Within microgrids are one or more kinds of distrib- uted energy—solar panels, wind turbines, combined heat

Propane power generation and power, and or, generators—that produce power during

Whether planned or unplanned, power outages can hap- sudden or planned power outages. The quest for a more reli- pen at any time and ports can’t afford extended periods of able, secure, and clean energy system is driving investment downtime. By incorporating a variety of power generation in microgrid technologies that can deliver superior reliability options, port authorities can mitigate the effects of hazards and resiliency for the nation’s aging and vulnerable grid.

beyond their control.

Portable propane generators offer versatility in a port Propane-powered port vehicles setting and can go wherever power is needed, whether Propane can also ef? ciently and reliably power port ve- or not an area is connected to the grid or another power hicles. MAFI recently released its propane-powered port source. Plus, propane won’t degrade over time like diesel tractor that’s proven to match its diesel counterparts’ power or other fuels, ensuring generators are always ready for use. output and last a full 8-hour shift without slowing down.

For a more permanent installation, propane standby With quick refueling, the propane-powered port tractor is generators provide power within seconds of a main power able to continue operations while an electric port tractor interruption and can handle a port’s energy needs for days, requires 4-6 hours to fully recharge.

unlike solar or wind-powered systems, making it an ideal Not only can propane power port vehicles, it can reli- backup or prime option for shore power. ably recharge electric vehicles. New innovations in electric

Shore power provides power from the shoreline to a ship vehicle charging utilize a propane-powered generator—in some cases along with wind and solar power—to recharge light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including fork- lifts and port tractors, independent of the electric grid. Ad- ditionally, solutions like Propane Fueling Solutions’ por- table dual-purpose standalone fueling system allows ? eets with various alternative fuel vehicles to refuel with propane autogas or recharge with DC level 3 fast chargers.

As innovations in alternative energy technology con- tinue to advance, ports have the ability to achieve a more ef? cient and reliable future. With propane-powered grid technology and cargo handling equipment, port authori- ties can make signi? cant steps toward those goals now.

PERC 42 | MN October 2023