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Optimal charging strategy for port energy systems

Optimal charging strategies coordinate when and how electricity is consumed by different users across the port ecosystem.

Port energy systemMarine shippingInland shippingPort/terminalTrucksTrains

Introduction

As ports electrify cargo handling equipment, trucks, buildings, shore power systems, industrial activities, etc. effective management of electricity demand becomes increasingly important. Optimal charging strategies coordinate when and how electricity is consumed by different users across the port ecosystem. Their objective is to maximise utilisation of existing infrastructure, minimise grid congestion, reduce energy costs and increase the use of renewable electricity. Charging optimisation is becoming a key enabler of port electrification, particularly in locations where grid capacity is limited or electricity demand is highly variable. By integrating demand forecasting, battery storage and digital energy management systems, ports can improve flexibility and postpone costly grid reinforcements

Value proposition

  • More efficient use of existing electricity infrastructure

    By coordinating charging demand across multiple assets and users

  • Increase resilience

  • Support congestion management

  • Improve utilisation of locally generated renewable electricity

Optimal charging strategies help ports make more efficient use of existing electricity infrastructure by coordinating charging demand across multiple assets and users. By aligning charging activities with renewable generation, electricity prices and operational requirements, ports can reduce peak demand, lower operating costs and improve sustainability performance. Combined with energy storage systems and advanced forecasting tools, smart charging can increase resilience, support congestion management and improve utilisation of locally generated renewable electricity. These benefits help ports accommodate growing electricity demand without immediately requiring major grid expansions.

Port applicability

Applicable to ports with significant electricity demand from electric vehicles, cargo handling equipment, shore power systems, industrial activities, buildings or energy storage assets. The concept is particularly valuable for ports facing grid constraints, rapidly increasing electricity demand or ambitious decarbonisation targets.

Groups of innovations

  • Static Demand Scheduling

    Electricity consumption is scheduled according to predefined operational requirements and tariff structures.

  • Smart Charging

    Charging activities (like for trucks) are dynamically adjusted based on electricity demand, energy prices and grid conditions.

    MAGPIE Automated trucking demo

  • Peak Shaving

    Battery systems reduce maximum power demand by supplying electricity during short-duration peaks.

    MAGPIE Shore power peak shaving demo

  • Predictive Energy Management

    Forecasting tools anticipate electricity demand, renewable generation and market conditions to optimize charging decisions.

    MAGPIE Energy matching tool

  • Flexibility Market Integration

    Charging activities are coordinated with flexibility services and electricity markets to generate additional value streams.

  • Integrated Port Energy Hub Management

    Charging, storage, renewable generation and flexible demand are managed through a single optimisation platform.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
GHG emissions (tannk-to-wake)Large impact
Supports electrified port operations and increased renewable electricity use.
GHG emissions (well-to-wake)Large impact
Higher utilisation of renewable electricity can reduce lifecycle emissions.
Air pollutionLarge impact
Facilitates electrification of equipment and vehicle fleets.
Lower energy consumptionMedium impact
Improves utilisation of energy assets but may introduce limited storage losses.
Digital port ecosystemVery large impact
Strong reliance on forecasting, optimisation and energy management systems.
Infrastructure efficiencyVery large impact
Maximises use of existing electricity infrastructure.
ResilienceLarge impact
Batteries and flexible demand improve continuity and reduce vulnerability to disruptions.
Grid congestionVery large impact
Reduces peak demand and improves network flexibility.
Level of automationVery large impact
Requires advanced monitoring and automated optimisation systems.
Port competitivenessLarge impact
Enables future electrification and reduces constraints on port growth.

Port characteristics

The concept is particularly relevant for ports with significant electricity demand variations, high-power consumers, and limited grid connection capacity. Successful implementation requires access to operational data, forecasting capabilities, and digital energy management systems. Where batteries are included, economic viability often depends on combining multiple value streams such as peak shaving, energy optimization, and flexibility services. Site-specific regulatory conditions and electricity market rules strongly influence business cases and deployment potential.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • EconomicEnabler

    Peak shaving, flexibility services and avoided grid reinforcement can create economic value.

  • TechnologyEnabler

    Forecasting systems, batteries and optimisation platforms are commercially available.

  • InfrastructureEnabler

    Existing charging infrastructure and electricity assets provide a foundation for deployment.

Barriers

  • EconomicBarrier

    Energy management systems, storage assets and digital infrastructure require capital investment.

  • KnowledgeBarrier

    Forecasting and optimisation require specialised expertise and high-quality data.

  • Standards & regulationBarrier

    Regulatory restrictions on flexibility services and energy trading may reduce business opportunities.

  • Stakeholder interactionBarrier

    Coordination is required between multiple electricity consumers and infrastructure operators.

  • Technology and securityBarrier

    Cybersecurity and data governance become increasingly important as systems become interconnected.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Map port-wide demand and network constraints

    Port authority, DSO, port users

  2. Step 2

    Deploy metering and smart charging

    Port users and EMS providers

  3. Step 3

    Integrate batteries, renewabls and markets

    Aggregators and integrators

  4. Step 4

    Optimize the port energy hub in real time

    Port energy ecosystem

Timeline

The arrow below represents the expected development of the TRL of optimal charging strategy for port operations.
* Technical Readiness Level

What should a port do in the next 3 years?

• Assess current and future electricity demand profiles. • Map peak demand events and grid constraints. • Improve availability of real-time operational data. • Pilot forecasting and smart charging solutions. • Evaluate battery-supported charging strategies. • Develop an integrated energy management roadmap aligned with electrification plans.

Investment overview

CAPEX • Battery energy storage systems. • Advanced metering infrastructure. • Energy management and forecasting software. • Communication and control systems. • Power electronics and integration equipment. OPEX • Battery maintenance and replacement reserves. • Software licences and cloud services. • Data management and forecasting support. • System operation and optimization activities. • Training of operational personnel..

Stakeholder overview

Below is an overview of the required involved stakeholders. Optimal charging strategies at port-system level require collaboration across the wider port energy ecosystem. Regulators, grid operators, technology providers, energy management platform suppliers and port operators each have distinct roles in enabling and operating smart charging solutions. The stakeholder relationships shown in the visual illustrate how regulation, energy infrastructure and operational activities must be aligned to achieve efficient and resilient energy management.
Blue stakeholders are essential, white stakeholders are enabling

Knowledge base