Nidec ASI and its Malta-based contractor Excel Sis will work to complete a €12 million contract for the creation of a shore power project in the port of Valletta.

This is intended to make it possible for cruise ships moored at the five berths to draw from the island’s energy grid.

Nidec ASI has estimated that the new system will lead to a reduction of over 40 tonnes of emissions yearly.

The project complies with European Union directives which encourage ports to adopt berth electrification systems (shore-to-ship) to reduce polluting emissions of vessels in the port, while maintaining active heating and air conditioning, as well as vessel auxiliary systems, according to the Italian company.

“Within this context, Malta and its port at Valletta provide an example for all European (and other) ports to follow”, it said.

“The entire project was planned from the very earliest feasibility studies and will be coordinated through to its completion by Infrastructure Malta (IM),” the company explained.

Nidec ASI, together with its main contractor, construction company Excel Sis received the highest technical and economic rating in the call for bids.

“We are truly proud that our partner and main contractor Excel Sis and Infrastructure Malta have chosen our proven expertise in project management and our custom solutions for this key project which, for us", commented Nidec ASI CEO Dominique Llonch.

The project was first announced by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri in January. Alongside the €12 million berth project, €20 million was to be invested in cargo cranes at the port.