Ship Universe Maritime Tool

Shore Power vs Ship Generator Calculator

Compare the cost and emissions of using shore electricity at berth versus running the vessel's onboard generators. Model berth load, energy use, utility rates, demand charges, generator fuel consumption, bunker price, maintenance, connection costs, carbon costs and annual port-call savings.

Shore Power Cost
Energy charge + demand charge + connection / port fees
Generator Cost
Fuel + maintenance + lube / service + optional carbon cost
Core Comparison
Cost per port call, cost per kWh, annual savings and CO₂ difference

Berth Power Demand

Enter the average electrical load the vessel must supply while alongside and the expected shore-power operating time.

kW
hours

Shore Power

Use the effective electricity rate charged for delivered energy. Add any fixed connection or port fee separately.

$ /kWh
$

Onboard Generator

Specific fuel oil consumption converts electrical production into fuel use. Enter the bunker price for the fuel actually burned in port.

g/kWh
$ /MT
$ /hour
calls

Berth Electrical Profile

Advanced mode separates average energy demand from peak demand and includes shore-side electrical losses.

kW
kW
hours
%
calls
years

Shore Electricity Cost

$ /kWh
$ /kW
$
$
kg/kWh
$ /tCO₂

Onboard Generator Cost

g/kWh
$ /MT
$ /hour
$
tCO₂/MT
$ /tCO₂

Optional Shore-Power Investment

Use this section if the vessel needs a retrofit or connection package before it can use shore power.

$
$ /year

Berth Power Results

Simple cost comparison

Enter berth data
Enter berth load, operating hours, shore electricity rate, generator SFOC and bunker price to compare shore power with onboard generation.
Planning estimate only. Actual shore-power and onboard-generation economics depend on vessel load profile, generator loading, SFOC, fuel quality, utility tariffs, peak-demand rules, connection procedures, port fees, transformer losses, power factor, local emissions intensity, carbon rules and equipment compatibility. Confirm tariffs, vessel electrical requirements and port connection standards before operational or investment decisions.
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By the ShipUniverse Editorial Team — About Us | Contact