Copenhagen’s Green Port Strategy: From Shore Power Dominance to a Regional CCUS Hub

Copenhagen is no longer just a destination; it is becoming an energy hub. The city’s latest data shows a massive scaling of its Onshore Power Supply (OPS) infrastructure.

Following the successful launch of cruise shore power in summer 2025, CMP estimates that 79% of all cruise guests arriving in 2026 will be served by zero-emission shore power at berth. This rapid adoption serves as a direct front-run of the FuelEU Maritime 2030 mandate, effectively achieving compliance targets four years ahead of schedule.

Strategic Deep Dive: The OPS & CCUS Nexus

The Port’s strategy is a two-pronged attack on maritime emissions, addressing both the immediate power needs at the quay and the long-term requirement for sustainable fuels.

1. OPS Infrastructure & Economic Incentives:

• The Hardware: The system, constructed by Powercon, currently offers a capacity of 20 MVA, set to more than double to 48 MVA by 2028. It features five dedicated connection points across Langelinie and Ocean Quay.
• The Carrot & Stick: To ensure utilization, CMP has implemented a Shore Power Fee (0.52 DKK/GT) applied to all calls, balanced by a Plug-in Incentive (-0.21 DKK/GT) for vessels that actually connect. This financial model effectively subsidizes the transition for early adopters while penalizing "dirty" idling.

1. The Øresund CCUS Corridor:

• Interreg Funding: A new €1.2 million EU-backed initiative is transforming CMP into a regional logistics hub for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS).
• The Goal: By capturing biogenic $CO_2$ from regional energy plants and combining it with green hydrogen, the port aims to facilitate the production of e-fuels (e-methanol/e-ammonia) for the very ships currently plugging into its grid.

Key Takeaways: Copenhagen 2026-2028

• Massive Coverage: Expected connection of 183 cruise calls in 2026, up from 88 in 2025.
• Grid Expansion: Capacity will jump from 20 MVA to 48 MVA by 2028 to reach 100% guest coverage.
• Regional Synergy: The Ocean Valley innovation hub is leading a cross-border (Denmark-Sweden) platform to integrate CCUS into the regional maritime value chain.

⚡ Current OPS Capacity: 20 MVA (Approx. 16-18 MW)

📈 2028 Target Capacity: 48 MVA

🏗️ Infrastructure Partner: Powercon