Modelling Cold-Ironing Potential in High-Density Ferry Quays: A Virtual Assessment for the port of Ancona

This study evaluates the shore-to-ship power (Cold Ironing, CI) potential of the Port of Ancona, a strategic Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) hub characterized by high-frequency Ro-Pax and ferry operations. Unlike container terminals with steady berth loads, ferry-dominated ports exhibit concentrated peak demand and significant grid stress, creating distinct infrastructural challenges for electrification. Five high-traffic quays were modeled to quantify aggregated berth-level electricity demand and assess the technical feasibility of phased CI deployment. Results indicate that full electrification would introduce an additional annual demand of approximately 52 GWh, primarily concentrated at three high-consumption terminals, thereby necessitating targeted medium-voltage grid reinforcement and centralized Static Frequency Converter (SFC) infrastructure. Transitioning from onboard auxiliary engines to shore power yields a 39% reduction in at-berth carbon emissions, corresponding to approximately 14,100 tonnes of CO2 annually and 4,400 tonnes of marine fuel savings. Constrained rooftop photovoltaic (PV) integration contributes 1.27 GWh/year, enabling Net Zero land-side operations while the reinforced grid supports maritime loads. The study advances existing literature by moving beyond theoretical feasibility toward a demand-driven, phased implementation blueprint tailored to medium-sized, ferry-dominated TEN-T ports operating under spatial and infrastructural constraints. By integrating berth-level traffic prioritization, grid topology design, renewable optimization, and environmental scenario modeling, the proposed framework provides a replicable pathway for decarbonizing historic urban ports. Beyond emissions mitigation, the findings position shore power as a foundational infrastructure component for smart, regulation-compliant maritime mobility systems aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.