Commercial, Solar, Sourcing Renewables, Wind  -  March 11, 2020

Port Fourchon installs shore power system for electrically-charged vessels

South Louisiana’s Port Fourchon will be installing a utility-scale shore power system through a project that is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 42%, sulfur oxides emissions by 48% and nitrogen oxides by 98% compared to marine diesel oil.

The plan to add electric charging options at the port is being implemented by Entergy Louisiana and Edison Chouest Offshore. The port currently plays a role in providing nearly 20% of the nation’s oil supply.

“Port Fourchon is the most important offshore oil and gas service port in the country, and we are excited that Entergy Louisiana and ECO are partnering to keep us on the leading-edge," Chett Chiasson, executive director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, which oversees Port Fourchon, said in a statement. "Economic growth and environmental sustainability are directly connected in Bayou Lafourche, and this shore power project is a shining example of taking care of our home so that it remains a desirable destination for suppliers and oil and gas operators.”

Entergy Louisiana will be extending their local distribution to simultaneously provide clean power to 10 ECO marine vessels in the port. The utility, who previously committed to reducing their own emissions by 50% by 2030, sources power from a portfolio of solar, hydro and biomass projects.