Naviera Armas Transmediterránea group will reduce carbon footprint and noise pollution for the residents of Santa Cruz with its first connection to ship electricity supply (OPS). This new measure represents a step forward in meeting the 2030 targets where it aims to ensure electrical connection in all ports of Canarias.
The Volcán de Thaidía was the first vessel of the Group to connect this morning. As stated by the president of the Tenerife Port Authority, Pedro Suárez, the next step will be to ensure the electrical connections of cruise ships. He also mentioned, “we will conclude with the port’s electrification and a significant reduction in carbon footprint”.
A demonstration was carried out today on the connection of a cable with the charging source. The dock where the shipping company moors in the Anaga Dock breathed silence. “When there is no noise, words prevail, and residents can rest,” emphasized the company’s CEO, Sergio Vélez.
Pedro Suárez, Sergio Vélez and Iván Concepeción. / María Pisaca
This new measure reduces the noise pollution generated by ships at night when auxiliary engines are connected. Thus, it aims to promote sustainability by reducing environmental and noise pollution. This service results in a decrease in the use of fossil fuel in regular line ships (marine gas oil) and in the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2.
The Group also highlighted its commitment to the environment. They have started using biofuels and have achieved being the first shipping company plastic-free in Spain. They only offer onboard containers made from this recycled material. “It is part of the path we want to follow in the coming years,” added the CEO.
The president of the Tenerife Port Authority, Pedro Suárez, and Iván Concepción, captain of the ‘Thaidía Volcano’. / María Pisaca
For the president of the Tenerife Port Authority, the connection of the group’s first vessel Naviera Armas Transmediterránea was a celebration. He stated that the ports of Canarias are “pioneers in implementing these solutions”. This is attributed to the commitment to reducing carbon footprint and noise. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port Authority has been working since 2017 on a significant project to improve and establish the necessary infrastructure in its ports to supply electricity to regular ferry type ships at their berthing points.
The first port in the country to provide this service was San Sebastián de La Gomera in December 2020. In response to complaints from residents about noise, the environmental commitment provided the solution. This was followed by the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma. An investment of 920,000 and 682,000 Euros was made for these projects, respectively.
All Spanish ports have committed to having night-time electrical supply by 2030. In the case of the Armas Transmediterránea group, an investment of two million Euros is proposed, within three years, to ensure the electrical connection of their entire fleet, totaling 21 vessels.
Route Los Cristianos- La Palma
The company’s CEO took the opportunity to clarify the routes that their ships will take. Regarding the continuation of the Los Cristianos- La Palma route established for this summer, he emphasized: “If supply and demand align, we will continue to operate”.
