Israeli Ports Equipped for Ship Shore Power, But Shipping Companies Resist Connecting
Israel's new ports, Haifa Bay Port and Southern Port, have installed Cold Ironing systems that allow docked ships to connect to shore electricity and shut down their diesel engines, significantly reducing pollution. Despite the clear environmental benefits and international adoption of this technology, no shipping companies currently use the system in Israel. The Israel Ports Company (IPC) urges port authorities to promote its use, emphasizing its strategic, national, and environmental importance.
Cold Ironing is a technology that enables ships to turn off their diesel engines while docked by connecting directly to the shore power grid. It is a mandatory standard in major ports across Europe, Asia, and North America, driven by international regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in populated coastal areas. Israel incorporated this infrastructure when opening its new ports in 2021, but actual usage remains minimal.
Several factors contribute to the lack of adoption. First, there is no legal obligation in Israel for shipping companies to connect to shore power, unlike in California, China, and parts of Europe where regulations are enforced. Second, only newer ships equipped with compatible electrical systems can connect, and many vessels are not yet outfitted. Additionally, the shipping industry is moving toward liquid hydrogen-powered ships, a technology not yet supported by Israeli infrastructure.
The most significant barrier is economic: connecting to shore power in Israel is not financially advantageous for shipping companies. The ports cannot lower electricity tariffs below operational costs, and the auxiliary engines remain cheaper to run during docking. The Shipping and Ports Authority (Respan), under the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for setting tariffs and promoting regulation but has yet to implement measures to incentivize or mandate shore power use.
The system's main goal is to reduce pollution and noise near ports, improving air quality and public health. IPC CEO Pinchas Tzruya highlighted these benefits in a letter to port directors, urging active promotion of shore power among shipping companies. In April 2025, Israeli shipping company Zim briefly connected a container ship to the Haifa Bay Port's shore power system to complete testing and certification, but no other companies have followed suit.
The Ministry of Transport stated it is working through Respan to advance shore power connections and is currently reviewing tariff proposals to present to the joint pricing committee of the Transport and Finance Ministries. This step aims to address the economic gap and encourage wider adoption of the technology to meet stricter international environmental standards.
