Lobo Marinho Prepares to Dock with Clean Energy

Porto Santo Line has officially launched the energy transition at the Port of Funchal with the arrival of the first container and installation of the On-Shore Power Supply (OPS) technology. This system will enable the ferry Lobo Marinho to switch off its combustion engines while docked and connect directly to the land-based electrical grid, reducing polluting gas emissions.

The main piece of equipment — the connection box — links the medium-voltage grid (6,600 volts) to the ship, converting it to the 400 volts required for its onboard systems. This device ensures the safe and stable management of the connection, only allowing the power supply when all parameters are secure, protecting against faults or overloads.

The first operational tests will begin shortly, through a partnership between Porto Santo Line, Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira (EEM) and the Regional Energy Directorate (DRE). The Port of Funchal thus becomes a testing ground for this pioneering innovation in the archipelago, with a view to replicating the system in Porto Santo — where a faster, more efficient process is expected thanks to the experience now gained.