EU backs shore power projects in Ireland, France and Malta

The EU is funding port upgrades at Rosslare and Dunkirk, as well as shore power expansion at Malta Freeport, with over €31m in total support.

Foto: Shutterstock.

The European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has approved €19.2m to support joint infrastructure upgrades at Rosslare Europort in Ireland and the Port of Dunkirk in France.

The funding will support the extension of Berth 3 at Rosslare to accommodate larger vessels, the installation of new Ro-Ro ramps, and the deployment of onshore power supply (OPS) systems at both ports. The upgrades aim to increase capacity, reduce emissions, and enhance climate resilience.

By enabling vessels to connect to shore power while berthed, both ports are expected to significantly cut GHG emissions. The project aligns with the EU’s broader strategy to decarbonise transport and reinforce key trade corridors.

Work is expected to commence shortly, contributing to the EU’s 2030 climate and infrastructure targets.

PS at Malta Freeport

Separately, the Maltese Ministry for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, in collaboration with Malta Freeport Corporation, has secured EU funding for the second phase of OPS deployment at Malta Freeport. A project proposal was submitted in early 2025 under the CEF framework.

The second phase will provide high-voltage shore power connections along South Quay Terminal 2 and West Quay Terminal 1. The total investment is estimated at €18.4m, with the European Commission approving a maximum co-financing grant of €12.35m.

According to the Government of Malta, the project was selected from among 20 submissions by EU Member States, of which only four were approved.

This initiative follows the first phase of the OPS infrastructure development at Malta Freeport, currently underway, which covers North Quay Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The first phase is co-financed by the EU Just Transition Fund, while the second will be supported through the CEF.

In total, Malta is undertaking four OPS projects—two at the TEN-T Core Port of the Grand Harbour and two at Malta Freeport, located within the TEN-T Core Port of Marsaxlokk.

This article was written by the World Cargo News Editorial Team / ANP and was published on July 17, 2025, on worldcargonews.com.

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