The innovative project marks a significant step forward in the transition towards sustainable port operations. 

Capital Ship Management  has successfully completed the world’s first tanker on-shore power supply Compatibility Assessment in partnership with Lloyd’s Register .  

The project is the first completion of the tanker compatibility assessment after official publication of the IEC 80005-1 standard in 2012.  

The assessment ensures that Capital’s 155k Suezmax oil tankers, Argeus, Aristoklis, Archelaos, Aristodimos, Ayrton and Amor, currently under construction to be delivered between 2025 – 2027, will be fully compatible with on-shore power infrastructure at the Port of Long Beach (POLB) in California, USA. This means the vessel will be ready for seamless connection to shore power at berth, enhancing both operational efficiency and environmental compliance.  

LR played a fundamental role in the project by resolving the technical uncertainties relating to OPS compatibility, a challenge that had previously hindered shipowners and shipyards from specifying and installing the correct equipment. By successfully clarifying these requirements, LR has solved a key issue for vessels visiting the oil terminals at POLB to ensure they comply with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission control requirements. 

With CARB’s 2020 Regulation for tanker’s emission control compliance in effect from 1 January 2025, ports and shipowners worldwide are facing increasing pressure to adopt shore power solutions. LR’s successful completion of this compatibility assessment sets a precedent, providing a clear framework for other shipowners looking to achieve compliance and reduce emissions in line with CARB requirements. 

Theo Kourmpelis, Global Tanker, Emerging Oil Markets, and Future Fuels Segment Director at LR, said: “This was a very challenging yet rewarding project to be a part of. There was critical information missing in the standard, which made it difficult for shipowners and yards to order the equipment with correct technical specifications and to make the installations on board. The wrong configuration could lead to non-compliance with port requirements and penalties from CARB, which came into effect this year. 

“By proactively addressing compatibility challenges, we have not only supported Capital in meeting regulatory requirements but also paved the way for the wider industry to transition towards greener port operations. We remain committed to working with our clients to navigate the evolving energy landscape and ensure safe, sustainable, and compliant shipping practices.” 

Nikolas Vaporis, Capital’s Chief Technical Officer said: “We are thrilled to have completed this ground-breaking project. Capital is always at the forefront of technological developments, but it is really important for us to future-proof our fleet towards all current and coming regulatory requirements. Working with LR, we managed to become pioneers in the compatibility aspects of tankers cold ironing as far as POLB on-shore power supply requirements are concerned.”