Cavotec Deploys Next-Generation Mobile Shore Power at Port of Portoferraio

The Port of Portoferraio on the Italian island of Elba has become the first to implement Cavotec’s latest innovation in mobile shore power: the PowerMove RoRo NxG. Designed specifically for the high-frequency turnarounds of roll-on/roll-off and passenger ferries, this system represents a significant mechanical and digital leap from previous mobile cable management units.

As European ports face intensifying pressure to meet legislative mandates for quayside electrification, the demand for flexible, "plug-and-play" infrastructure is rising. Unlike fixed installations, the PowerMove RoRo NxG is a mobile platform that can be repositioned along the quay, allowing ports to service a diverse fleet of vessels with varying connection point locations without the need for multiple fixed sockets.

The system features a redesigned telescopic boom and an upgraded mechanical structure that improves positioning precision, ensuring the power cable can reach vessel hatches safely and efficiently. A major operational highlight is the inclusion of a new human-machine interface (HMI) and a ruggedized remote control, allowing a single port operator to manage the entire connection process from a safe distance while receiving real-time feedback on system health.

Following the successful commissioning in Portoferraio, Cavotec confirmed that four additional units are scheduled for delivery to other regional ports. This expansion aligns with the broader trend of Mediterranean port electrification as operators prepare for strict emission limits and the upcoming requirements for shore-side electricity usage at major berths.