GreenEnergyForEarth.com – Alternative Energy News and Green Products

Sept 11, 2008 -  Siemens AG [NYSE: SI] will be installing a shoreside electric power supply in Lübeck, Germany, that will make it possible for ships berthed in port to draw power from the local grid, rather than producing it themselves with onboard diesel generators.  Compared to the use of marine diesel fuel, this will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by 35%, of nitrogen oxides by more than 95%, and of fine particulates by 90%.  Shipping represents the major share of freight traffic worldwide.  Presently, more than 90% of all global trade involves transport by sea, which produces roughly the same amount of CO2 emissions as air traffic.  Also, combustion of marine diesel fuel produces significantly higher emissions of sulfur and fine particulates than other fuels.  The installation of a shoreside power supply means berthed vessels can now use the electricity generated by power plants.  All they need do is hook up to a dockside connection point — comparable to a household socket — by means of a cable and plug-in connector.  This product is part of Siemens’ environmental portfolio, which generated €17 billion in sales for the company last year.