Latin America’s First Shore Power System Launched By DP World At Peru’s Port Of Callao
Our take
The recent launch of Latin America’s first shore power system at DP World’s Port of Callao in Peru represents a tangible step toward decarbonizing maritime operations, a critical area for ocean health. This development, following similar installations in Prince Rupert and Vancouver, Canada, underscores a growing global commitment to reducing emissions from port activities. The broader context is increasingly clear: the maritime sector is under intense scrutiny to mitigate its environmental impact, driven by international regulations and a rising tide of public awareness. The recent [U.S. Coast Guard Coordinates Rescue Of 27 Crew From Burning Vessel Off Galapagos] highlights the inherent risks and vulnerabilities within maritime transport, further emphasizing the need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The shift towards shore power, which allows vessels to plug into the electrical grid while docked, eliminating the need to run auxiliary engines, is a significant component of this transition. It's a particularly impactful strategy given the concentrated emissions associated with port calls.
The implementation at Callao isn't merely a symbolic gesture; it’s part of a larger strategic shift by DP World and others to adapt to increasingly stringent environmental standards. Consider the scale of the challenge: the [190,000-Ton Maersk Containership Makes First Suez Canal Transit On Europe-Asia Voyage] exemplifies the sheer volume of cargo traversing global waterways daily, each vessel contributing to atmospheric pollution. Shore power offers a localized, yet powerful, solution. The effectiveness of these systems hinges on the availability of clean energy sources feeding the grid; otherwise, the emissions are simply shifted from the ship to the power plant. Furthermore, the logistical and infrastructural investments required are substantial, necessitating collaboration between port authorities, energy providers, and shipping companies. DP World’s investment signals a willingness to embrace these complexities and lead the way in Latin America. The increasing adoption of innovative technologies like those seen in the [World’s First Swappable Containerised Marine Battery Set To Transform Electric Ships] also demonstrates the breadth of solutions being explored to address maritime emissions.
The broader significance of this development extends beyond Peru. It establishes a precedent for other ports in Latin America and the Caribbean, a region often characterized by older infrastructure and a greater reliance on fossil fuels. The successful implementation at Callao can serve as a model for replicating this technology in other similar port environments, accelerating the transition towards cleaner maritime operations across the continent. This transition isn't just about environmental responsibility; it also presents economic opportunities. Ports that embrace sustainable practices are likely to become more attractive to shipping lines committed to reducing their carbon footprint, potentially boosting trade and economic growth. The integration of shore power systems requires a calibrated approach, considering the specific energy needs of different vessel types and the existing grid infrastructure. A holistic, data-driven approach is essential to maximize the environmental and economic benefits.
Looking ahead, a key question is how quickly this trend will accelerate across the global port network. The initial investment costs are substantial, and the availability of clean energy to power these systems remains a constraint in many regions. However, the regulatory pressure and the growing economic incentives for decarbonization are likely to drive further adoption. Moreover, the development of more efficient and cost-effective shore power technologies will play a crucial role. The long-term success of this transition depends on a global, integrated data ecosystem that can monitor emissions, track progress, and facilitate the sharing of best practices, ultimately strengthening ocean intelligence and promoting a more sustainable future for maritime trade.
Peru’s Port of Callao has become the first Latin American facility equipped with a shore power system after DP World invested around USD 1 billion in the project. French Shipping company CMA CGM’s container ship Platinum was the first to connect to the new infrastructure.
Installed at the South Terminal, Callao has become DP World’s third facility, apart from Canada’s Prince Rupert and Vancouver ports, to have shore power.
The system can provide renewable power of up to 7.5 MVA to a ship connected to it, which is enough for the fully-loaded, biggest container ships regularly visiting the facility.
The port’s carbon dioxide emissions would reduce by 6300 tonnes annually or around 30 tonnes per ship, along with a decrease in fuel consumption and other nitrogen, sulphur and particulate matter emissions from the vessels’ auxiliary engines by over 90%.
The infrastructure for the system was combined into DP World’s $ 400 million project to expand the Bicentennial Pier. The company now aims to expand shore power across different European ports and terminals.
More than 80% of the ships visiting the terminal are already equipped to use the new system,, which makes the shore power readily available.
Though Callao had successfully decreased harmful emissions from overall terminal operations, ship emissions at berth remained high, which DP World identified and decided to bring shore power to the facility, which is now among 3% of the global ports to have a shore power system.
The President of Peru, Keiko Fujimori, said that with this development, Peru has moved an inch towards a future of growth and an example of modernisation and sustainability.
DP World has also made significant investments in other projects at the port of Callao, such as $105 million to decarbonise and electrify a terminal by providing renewable energy.
The company also brought 36 electric vehicles for the port and established a charging station for them as well, the first such system in Latin America. It also electrified all the cranes in the terminal’s yards.
These initiatives will help DP World to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and have boosted Callao’s competitiveness in the region. In 2025, it became the first facility on the western shores of South America to handle two million TEUs in a year.
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