MIRI (Dec 4): The Miri Port Authority (MPA) officially commissioned its first shore power or cold ironing facility at the Crew Change Terminal in Pulau Melayu here, marking a major step toward sustainable maritime operations in the region.
The commissioning ceremony was launched at the facility at Berth 5 of the Miri Port Authority Crew Change Terminal (MPACCT), a project made possible through strategic collaboration between MPA and TotalEnergies EP Malaysia.
Pandang Semat, political secretary to the Sarawak Premier and MPA board member representing chairman Datu Paulu Palu Gumbang, described the occasion as historic for Miri’s maritime sector.
“Today marks an important milestone not only for Miri Port Authority, but also for Miri’s maritime sector as a whole, as we take a bold step toward greener, cleaner, and more sustainable port operations,” he said.
The facility allows vessels to shut down onboard generators and draw clean electricity directly from the port terminal, reducing emissions, fuel consumptions, and noise pollution while berthed.
Under the partnership that began in May, TotalEnergies sponsored the complete shore power unit and committed to connecting its vessels to the facility at every berthing.
“This cooperation reflects our shared commitment to promote sustainable port operations, accelerate decarbonisation, and support wider adoption of clean energy technologies across Miri’s maritime industry,” Pandang added.
He noted that similar facilities are planned for all oil and gas wharves at MPACCT and MPA’s general cargo wharves at Kuala Baram.
The initiative is expected to enhance air quality, provide safer working conditions, and support maritime electrification by enabling vessels to charge batteries while berthing.
Pandang highlighted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Sarawak government’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which targets a 25 per cent reduction in emissions at port terminals by 2030, contributing to Malaysia’s national goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The MPA board member also emphasised that its Green Port programme focuses on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing environmental performance, and integrating sustainable technologies into operations, setting a benchmark for other petroleum supply companies to adopt green energy initiatives.
TotalEnergies EP Malaysia operations director Marc Geniteau expressed enthusiasm for expanding shore power coverage to more berths, exploring renewable energy, and sharing best practices with other ports regionally and globally.
The ceremony was attended by MPA general manager Serawa Budol, representatives from government agencies including the Marine Department, Sarawak Rivers Board, Department of Environmental, and Sarawak Energy Berhad, as well as representatives from Malaysia Petroleum Management, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Shell Bhd, and ENEOS Xplora Malaysia Limited.
Reference : Miri Port commissions first shore power facility to boost green shipping | Borneo Post Online