Shore Power
About Shore Power
Shore power is grid-based, high-voltage, electrical infrastructure in the maritime area. This allows ships to plug in to the grid while docked, dramatically reducing emissions from vessels at berth. This supports the Port of Oakland’s goal of going to zero emissions operations.
Ships must be commissioned by the Port of Oakland prior to plugging into the shore power system. Commissioning is the process of preparing a unique vessel to successfully plug into the shore power system. Shipping lines should notify both their terminal operator partners and the Port when a vessel is scheduled to arrive and needs to be commissioned. Only ships commissioned by the Port’s Commissioning Agent will be allowed to plug in to the Port’s shore power system. Power usage is charged in addition to the commissioning cost.
Eric Napralla
- Shore Power Program Manager
- (510) 627-1403
- Email Eric
Wayne Yeoman
- Vessel Commissioning & Technical Assistance
- (510) 627-1423
- Email Wayne
Infrastructure
Shore power is available at the following marine terminals/berths:
Shore Power Rates
The Port of Oakland adopted utility rates for shore power usage. These rates and charges include a usage rate of $267 per hour (plus applicable taxes), a maintenance rate of $31 per hour (plus applicable taxes), and an initial vessel commissioning charge of $3,600. These rates are further outlined by Port Ordinance. Infrastructure at Berths 60-63 is not owned or managed by the Port. For utility rates at these berths, please contact the terminal operator.
Vessel Commissioning
Berths 24, 25-26, 30-32, 35-37, 55-59, 68
Ships that plan to call the Port of Oakland and intend to plug into shore power at these berths must be commissioned by the Port prior to plugging into the shore power system. Commissioning refers to the process of preparing a unique vessel to successfully plug into the shore power system at Oakland. Shipping lines should notify both their terminal operator partners and the Port when a vessel is scheduled to arrive in port and needs to be commissioned. Only vessels commissioned by the Port’s Commissioning Agent will be allowed to plug in to the Port’s shore power system. The Port charges $3,600 per commissioning event for each unique vessel. Commissioning must repeat until the Port places the vessel on the list of approved shore power vessels (see link above). Power usage is charged in addition to the commissioning cost (see Shore Power Rates above).
Berths 60-63
The shore power system at these berths is connected to a power grid that is not owned or managed by the Port. Therefore, the Port does not require vessel commissioning at these berths. However, the Port strongly recommends that shipping lines and terminal operators for these berths coordinate closely to perform a vessel commissioning process.
Maintenance
The Port of Oakland adopted utility rates that allow the Port to recover its maintenance costs for shore power infrastructure. The maintenance rate is currently $31 per hour (plus applicable taxes). This charge applies to berths where the shore power system is owned by the Port. These rates are further outlined by Port Ordinance. Infrastructure at Berths 60-63 is not owned or managed by the Port. For utility rates at these berths, please contact the terminal operator.