Stillstrom and Panama Canal join forces to decarbonise maritime logistics

April 10, 2025

Credit: Stillstrom

Stillstrom by Maersk and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the implementation of Stillstrom’s offshore charging technology to reduce emissions from vessels idling in and around the Panama Canal.

A Cleaner Future for Global Trade

Handling approximately 14,000 vessels annually, the Panama Canal is a critical artery of global commerce. The Canal’s strategic position makes it a focal point for maritime sustainability, and in recent years, ACP has taken significant steps toward decarbonisation. The authority has already introduced incentive programs for lower-emission vessels, invested in water-saving initiatives, and committed to reducing its own operational carbon footprint. This partnership with Stillstrom represents another significant move in its ongoing journey to transform maritime logistics into a cleaner, more sustainable industry.

Bringing Offshore Charging to Life

For ships awaiting transit or at anchor near landfall, coastal areas, and cities, traditional idling means running diesel or heavy fuel oil generators – releasing CO2, NOx, and particulates into the air. Stillstrom’s offshore charging technology envisions a different reality: vessels silently drawing power from a stationary offshore unit, eliminating the need to burn fossil fuels while waiting in line. Imagine a ship at anchor, seamlessly connected to an offshore power source, its engines quiet, the air untainted by exhaust. This is the vision Stillstrom and ACP are working to bring to life.

A Joint Effort to Cut Emissions

Through this collaboration, Stillstrom and the Panama Canal Authority will conduct a joint feasibility study to assess the potential for offshore charging solutions in the region. The study will evaluate how these systems could reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support the Panama Canal’s broader decarbonisation strategy.

“At the Panama Canal, we recognize that bold innovation is essential to decarbonising global shipping. This collaboration with Stillstrom reflects our commitment to exploring cutting-edge solutions that reduce emissions not only in transit, but throughout the entire maritime logistics chain. Offshore charging has the potential to transform how vessels operate while waiting to transit, aligning with our vision for a cleaner, more resilient, and more efficient future for world trade.”

Ilya Espino de Marotta, Deputy Administrator and Chief Sustainability Officer, Panama Canal Authority.

This partnership exemplifies the direction the maritime industry needs to take – embracing innovation to directly address the environmental impact of vessel operations. By implementing offshore power and charging solutions, we’re not only reducing CO2 emissions but also creating a pathway to cleaner air, cleaner seas, and a more sustainable future for global shipping.

Kristian Borum Jørgensen, CEO of Stillstrom

By leading this initiative, the Panama Canal aims to set a precedent for other major trade routes, proving that sustainable shipping is not just an ambition but a practical and achievable goal.