Freight News, Sea

Interferry conference to focus on Power and People

[ July 28, 2022   //   Chris Lewis ]

Global trade association for the ro ro sector Interferry will stage its 46th annual conference in Seattle this October on the theme of ‘Power and People’.   

Daunting maritime greenhouse gas regulations require interim cuts of some 50% by 2030 and ‘net zero’ status by 2050. The ferry sector is pioneering the transition to fully electric or hybrid power systems, but stresses this has to be complemented by major expansion of the shoreside electricity grid – because existing capacity is largely limited to ‘cold ironing’ consumption at berth and may not enable batteries to be sufficiently recharged for propulsion.

In May, Interferry launched worldwide lobbying of governments and port bodies to urge investment in Onshore Power Supply (OPS) infrastructure.  A joint programme to promote the provision and use of OPS was agreed with the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), and backing from other like-minded partners is set to follow.   

The two-day speakers program takes place on October 3-4 at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center on Seattle’s waterfront.  Co-hosted by operators Washington State Ferries and FRS Clipper, the full event runs from October 1-5.  

46th Annual Interferry Conference – Interferry Conference

Tags: Interferry