Chapter 01 · Climate & transitionEnergy & Transition
Cold ironing
Definition
Cold ironing is the practice of connecting a berthed ship to the landside electricity grid and shutting down its auxiliary diesel engines. It eliminates at-berth emissions of particulate matter, sulphur and nitrogen oxides, reduces CO2 (depending on grid mix) and cuts noise; the name recalls the ship's iron engines going cold.
References
definition, California mandate, EU requirements, etymology
pollutant and noise reductions
Overview
What it means
It is the main near-term measure for cleaning up port air quality while shipping transitions to zero-emission fuels.
How it is used
Mandatory for certain vessel calls at California ports and required at major EU ports for container and passenger ships under the AFIR/FuelEU framework from 2030, following earlier EU provisions for shore-side electricity infrastructure.
Why it matters
Berth emissions disproportionately affect port-side communities, making cold ironing both an environmental and an environmental-justice measure.