Enel X and Fincantieri signed a letter of intent to collaborate in the construction and management of new generation port infrastructures with low environmental impact and for the electrification of onshore logistics activities. The agreement, initially dedicated to national projects, concerns the implementation of the cold ironing, that is the technology for the shore power supply of ships moored during stops; the management and optimization of energy exchanges in new infrastructures; systems for the accumulation and production of electricity, also through the use of renewable sources, and the application of fuel cells. The partnership also provides that the initiatives implemented in Italy can also be replicated in other countries such as Spain, Portugal and Greece. The letter of intent may be the subject of subsequent binding agreements that the parties will define in compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory profiles, including those relating to transactions between related parties.
The collaboration between Enel X, Enel's innovative global business line, and Fincantieri, one of the largest shipbuilders in the world, will give a new impetus to the process of decarbonisation and electrification of port energy consumption. In Italy and subsequently in other European countries, the interventions of cold ironing they will affect an increasing number of ports and docks. The initiative will make it possible to create a capillary European network of cold ironing.
“Shipping accounts for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. The sector's emissions amount to approximately 940 million tons of CO2 per year, equal to approximately 2,5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Enel and Fincantieri are joining forces to promote the decarbonisation of naval consumption in port " said Aelian Russo, Head of e-Industries, Enel. “90% of European ports are located in urban areas and public opinion in many port cities denounces the pollution, noise and vibrations produced by the engines of ships stopped on the quay. The development of cold ironing will make it possible to avoid this, thanks to the electrical connection of the ships stationary on the quay with the mainland. Digitization, sustainability and innovation allow us today to offer intelligent and efficient technologies for the relaunch of the port and maritime sector in Europe ".
Laura Luigia Martini CEO Business Advisor and Executive Vice President Corporate Business Development of Fincantieri, commented: “The development of smart and integrated infrastructures and the protection of the territory would project the national port system into a new phase, characterized by the principles of sustainability. By virtue of the agreements with Enel X, we will make our wealth of skills available to a highly innovative program to lay the foundations for an authentic green and digital transition, which will have an extraordinary impact on the Italian blue economy and beyond ".
