Marine Advisory: 30/2023 - Interim guidelines on safe operation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) service in port for ships engaged on international voyages

13 November 2023 Marine Advisory:30/2023

SUBJECT: Interim guidelines on safe operation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) service in port for ships engaged on international voyages

To: Shipowners/Operators/Masters:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to provide guidance on safe operation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) in port for ships taking into account the Interim guidelines on safe operation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) service in port for ships engaged on international voyages in MSC.1/Circ. 1675.

The application of onshore power supply (OPS) (alternative maritime power (AMP), cold ironing, shore-side electricity and onshore power supply, high- or low-voltage shore connection, respectively) is increasing and the Interim Guidelines have been developed as special consideration for safe operation of the OPS.

For Tankers, the provisions in the Interim Guidelines (MSC.1/Circ. 1675) may be specially considered. These Interim Guidelines do not apply to the electrical power supply during dry docking periods and other out-of-service maintenance and repair.

Technical design, installation and testing requirements for the OPS system are provided by the standard: IEC/IEEE 80005-1:2019: Utility connections in port – Part 1: High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) Systems – General requirements or other equivalent standards. The standard IEC/IEEE DIS 80005-3, Utility connections in port – Part 3: Low Voltage Shore Connection (LVSC) Systems – General requirements, is under development, and the procedures for low voltage in MSC.1/Circ. 1675 would be revised by IMO when an international standard for low-voltage OPS systems has been published.

The safety of ships, personnel and power supply systems should be ensured by the shore and ship side during the establishment of a connection of the shore power, during all operations, in the event of a failure, during disconnection and when the systems are not in use.

Shipowners/Operators are encouraged to develop checklists and procedures for safe operation of OPS service in ports for their vessels, utilizing the Interim Guidelines (MSC.1/Circ. 1675) and other available guidance.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Regulations and Standards Department at RegsAndStandards@liscr.com.

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