Shore Power Standards & Compliance

Shore Power Standards for Safe and Interoperable Connections

Shore power standards provide the technical framework for safe and interoperable ship-to-shore electrical connections. The requirements applicable to a specific project depend on system voltage, vessel interface, communication, connection equipment, classification rules and regional regulations.

IEC/IEEE 80005 provides the principal international framework for many shore connection applications, while additional standards address communication, connection accessories and project-specific requirements.

Standard ≠ Certification Applying a technical standard as a project design reference does not automatically establish product certification.

Applicable standards, conformity requirements and approval routes should be identified for the actual vessel, berth and project scope.

Review Applicable Standards Discuss Your Shore Power Project
Shore Power Standards Landscape
Shore Power Project
Vessel · Shore Grid · Interface · Location · Approval Route
01
Technical Standards
  • IEC/IEEE 80005
  • IEC 60309-5
  • IEC 62613 Series
02
Classification
  • DNV
  • ABS
  • Lloyd's Register
  • ClassNK · CCS
03
Regulation
  • EU AFIR
  • FuelEU Maritime
  • CARB At-Berth
  • Regional Requirements
04
Project-Specific Compliance Review

Applicable requirements are identified from the vessel, shore electrical system, connection interface, project location and approval route.

Vessel Requirements Applicable Standards Class Rules Local Regulations
Page Scope
IEC/IEEE 80005 IEC 60309-5 IEC 62613 Classification Rules EU Requirements CARB
01 · Standards Landscape

How Shore Power Standards, Class Rules and Regulations Fit Together

A shore power project may be influenced by several different layers of requirements. Technical standards, classification rules, regulatory obligations and project specifications serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Direct Answer

There is no single standard or certificate that automatically covers every shore power project.

Shore Power Requirements Landscape

The applicable framework is determined from the actual vessel, shore electrical system, project location and approval route.

Project Starting Point
Shore Power Connection
Vessel Shore Grid Interface Berth Location
01

Technical Standards

International technical standards define system requirements, electrical interfaces, communication functions and connection accessories within their specified scopes.

Typical References
  • IEC/IEEE 80005 series
  • IEC 60309-5
  • IEC 62613 series
02

Classification Rules

Classification requirements may affect vessel installation, notation, documentation, testing and approval depending on the ship and project route.

Project-Dependent Bodies
  • DNV
  • ABS
  • Lloyd's Register
  • ClassNK · CCS
03

Regulatory Requirements

Regional and national rules can influence infrastructure availability, vessel operation, emissions compliance and other requirements beyond technical system standards.

Examples
  • EU AFIR
  • FuelEU Maritime
  • EU ETS
  • CARB At-Berth Regulation
04 Final Layer

Project-Specific Compliance Review

Applicable standards and project requirements are identified from the vessel electrical system, shore grid, connection interface, location, classification requirements and agreed approval route.

Vessel Requirements Applicable Standards Class Rules Regional Regulations Project Specifications
Next · IEC/IEEE 80005

The IEC/IEEE 80005 series separates high-voltage shore connection, monitoring and control communication, and low-voltage shore connection into different parts.

Compare 80005-1, -2 and -3 →
02 · IEC/IEEE 80005 Series

What Is the Difference Between IEC/IEEE 80005-1, -2 and -3?

The IEC/IEEE 80005 series addresses different parts of utility connections in port. The applicable part depends primarily on system voltage and the technical function being considered.

IEC/IEEE 80005-1 primarily addresses high-voltage shore connection systems, IEC/IEEE 80005-2 addresses monitoring and control data communication, and IEC/IEEE 80005-3 addresses defined low-voltage shore connection systems.

IEC/IEEE 80005 Series at a Glance

The three parts address different functions and should not be treated as interchangeable standards.

01
IEC/IEEE 80005-1 High-Voltage Shore Connection
Addresses the design, installation and testing of high-voltage shore connection systems, including shore distribution, ship-to-shore interfaces, transformers or reactors, frequency conversion, protection, monitoring, control and interlocking.
02
IEC/IEEE 80005-2 Data Communication
Addresses data communication between shore and ship for monitoring and control functions where communication is required by the applicable shore connection arrangement.
03
IEC/IEEE 80005-3 Low-Voltage Shore Connection
Addresses the design, installation and testing of defined low-voltage shore connection systems, including shore-side and ship-side equipment, interfaces, conversion, protection, monitoring and control.
Key Distinction

The three parts are complementary rather than interchangeable. The correct reference depends on whether the project is high voltage or low voltage and whether the requirement concerns the electrical shore connection system or shore-to-ship data communication.

Current Editions

As reviewed in August 2026, the current framework includes IEC/IEEE 80005-1:2019 with subsequent amendments, IEC/IEEE 80005-2:2016, and IEC/IEEE 80005-3:2025. Project requirements should always be checked against the applicable current edition and approval route.

Next · High Voltage

IEC/IEEE 80005-1 defines the principal international framework for high-voltage shore connection systems within its stated scope.

Review IEC/IEEE 80005-1 →
03 · High-Voltage Shore Connection

IEC/IEEE 80005-1 for High-Voltage Shore Connection Systems

IEC/IEEE 80005-1 is the principal part of the IEC/IEEE 80005 series addressing high-voltage shore connection systems.

IEC/IEEE 80005-1 addresses the design, installation and testing of high-voltage shore connection systems within its defined scope.
01
HVSC
System Standard

Its scope extends beyond the shore-side frequency converter or switchgear. The shore connection has to be considered as an integrated electrical system extending from the shore distribution arrangement through the ship-to-shore interface and into relevant ship-side systems.

Electrical System Areas

  • High-voltage shore distribution
  • Shore-to-ship electrical interface
  • Transformers and reactors
  • Frequency-conversion equipment
  • Relevant ship-side distribution

Protection & Control

  • Protection functions
  • Monitoring and control
  • Interlocking
  • Power management
  • System coordination
Scope boundary: electrical power supplied during docking periods such as dry docking and other out-of-service maintenance and repair falls outside the defined scope of IEC/IEEE 80005-1.
High-Voltage Shore Power Systems → Shore Power Architecture →
04 · Monitoring & Control Communication

IEC/IEEE 80005-2 Covers Shore-to-Ship Data Communication

Depending on the application, a shore connection can require both electrical power transfer and coordinated monitoring and control communication.

IEC/IEEE 80005-2 addresses data communication used for monitoring and control between the shore connection system and the vessel.
Shore Side
Shore Power Control System

Shore-side equipment provides or receives the applicable monitoring states, control information and connection data required by the project.

Data Communication
Vessel Side
Ship Power & Control System

The vessel exchanges the information required by the applicable monitoring, control and connection arrangement.

What IEC/IEEE 80005-2 Addresses

Relevant shore-to-ship data interfaces and communication procedures associated with monitoring and control functions.

What It Does Not Replace

IEC/IEEE 80005-2 does not replace the electrical system requirements addressed by IEC/IEEE 80005-1 or IEC/IEEE 80005-3.

Communication should be reviewed as part of the complete shore power system architecture , not as an isolated network function.
05 · Low-Voltage Shore Connection

IEC/IEEE 80005-3 for Low-Voltage Shore Connection Systems

IEC/IEEE 80005-3 addresses the design, installation and testing of defined low-voltage shore connection systems.

03
LVSC
System Standard

The standard applies to defined low-voltage shore connection applications within its stated electrical and vessel scope, covering relevant shore-side and ship-side systems.

Power Range Up to 1 MVA
Connection Rating 250 A and Above
Nominal Voltage 400–1000 V AC

System Areas

  • Shore distribution
  • Shore-to-ship interface
  • Transformation or conversion
  • Ship-side connection arrangement

Protection & Control

  • Electrical protection
  • Monitoring and control
  • Interlocking
  • System coordination
Scope boundary: IEC/IEEE 80005-3 does not cover high-voltage shore connections or electrical power supplied during dry docking and other out-of-service maintenance and repair.
View Low-Voltage Shore Power Systems →
06 · Connection Interfaces

Which Standards Apply to Shore Power Plugs, Sockets and Connectors?

System-level shore connection standards and connection-accessory standards serve different functions. A project may therefore need to consider both the electrical system and its physical ship-to-shore interface.

System Level Shore Connection System
IEC/IEEE 80005
Defines applicable system-level requirements for HVSC, LVSC and data communication within the respective parts of the IEC/IEEE 80005 series.
Low Voltage LV Connection Accessories
IEC 60309-5
Addresses dimensional compatibility and interchangeability for defined LV shore connection plugs, socket-outlets, ship connectors and ship inlets.
High Voltage HV Connection Accessories
IEC 62613 Series
Addresses defined plugs, socket-outlets and ship couplers used for high-voltage shore connection systems, including general requirements and dimensional compatibility.
IEC/IEEE 80005 addresses the shore connection system, while IEC 60309-5 and IEC 62613 address defined connection accessories within their respective scopes.
Connector and cable arrangements should be confirmed from the actual vessel interface and project specification. See the Shore Power System Architecture page for the relationship between connection equipment and the broader system.
07 · Compliance Terminology

Standard, Compliance, Certification and Class Approval Are Not the Same Thing

These terms are often mixed together commercially, but they describe different technical and approval concepts.

01
Technical Standard
Defines technical requirements, interfaces, methods or conditions within a stated scope.
02
Project Requirements
Identifies which standards, regulations, class requirements, owner specifications and local requirements apply.
03
Engineering & Verification
The system is engineered and verified against the requirements applicable to the agreed equipment and project scope.
04
Conformity / Approval
Where required, conformity assessment, certification, type approval or class approval follows its own defined route and documentation requirements.
Important Distinction
“Designed with reference to an IEC standard” does not automatically mean “IEC certified.”

Certification or conformity claims should identify the relevant standard, edition, equipment or project scope, assessment route and supporting evidence.

What about the phrase “IEC certified shore power system”? A generic phrase like this is not sufficiently precise by itself. The correct question is which specific standard applies, what scope was assessed and what evidence supports the conformity or approval claim.
08 · Classification Requirements

How Do Classification-Society Requirements Relate to Shore Power Standards?

IEC standards and classification-society requirements can both affect a shore power project, but they perform related rather than identical functions.

A vessel class notation or class approval route should not be interpreted as a universal product certification for all shore-side shore power equipment.

IEC and IEC/IEEE publications provide internationally recognized technical frameworks. Classification societies can introduce vessel- and project-specific requirements related to electrical installation, notation, documentation, testing and approval.

The exact class requirement therefore depends on the vessel, classification society, newbuilding or retrofit scope and the agreed approval route.

Classification requirements may influence:

  • Vessel electrical installation
  • Shore-connection preparation and readiness
  • Protection and safety arrangements
  • Drawing and documentation review
  • Testing and witnessing requirements
  • Class notation or approval route
09 · European Requirements

AFIR, FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS Address Different Parts of Shore Power Deployment

European shore-power policy includes several different mechanisms. It should not be reduced to a statement such as “all ships in Europe must use shore power from 2030.”

AFIR primarily addresses shore-side infrastructure availability, FuelEU Maritime includes vessel-use requirements within its defined scope, and the EU ETS is an emissions-pricing framework.
From 1 January 2024

EU ETS Maritime

Maritime transport entered the EU ETS framework, bringing covered maritime greenhouse-gas emissions into the EU emissions-pricing system.

By 31 December 2029

AFIR Port Infrastructure

Member States must ensure the specified shore-side electricity supply targets at qualifying TEN-T maritime ports within the regulation's defined vessel, traffic-threshold and exception framework.

From 1 January 2030

FuelEU OPS Use

Defined categories of covered vessels become subject to on-shore power supply use requirements at applicable ports and berths, subject to the regulation's scope, conditions and exceptions.

AFIR Infrastructure Availability

Primarily addresses deployment and availability of alternative fuels infrastructure, including shore-side electricity at qualifying maritime ports.

FuelEU Maritime Vessel Use

Includes requirements for covered ships to connect to and use on-shore power supply for electrical demand at berth within the regulation's defined conditions.

EU ETS Emissions Pricing

Places covered maritime emissions within an emissions-accounting and carbon-cost framework rather than defining the technical design of a shore power system.

Where Does the EU ETS Fit?

Emissions Pricing — Not a Shore Power Technical Standard

Maritime transport has been included in the EU ETS since 2024. Relevant covered emissions associated with voyages and port activity therefore fall within the EU emissions-accounting and allowance framework. The EU ETS does not itself define IEC shore power engineering requirements and is not a universal mandate to install a shore power system.

Project-specific regulatory review is still required. Vessel type, gross tonnage, port, berth, traffic thresholds, regulatory scope, implementation date and applicable exceptions should be checked against the current official EU regulations.
10 · California At-Berth Requirements

Does CARB Require Shore Power as the Only At-Berth Compliance Option?

California's At-Berth Regulation is an important regulatory framework for reducing emissions from ocean-going vessels while at berth.

Direct Question Must every applicable vessel use shore power and no other compliance pathway?
No.

Shore power is an important compliance pathway, but the CARB framework also recognizes approved emissions-control strategies and other defined compliance mechanisms where applicable.

01
Identify Vessel & Terminal
Determine whether the vessel category and terminal fall within the applicable At-Berth Regulation scope.
02
Determine Compliance Route
Review whether shore power, an approved emissions-control strategy or another defined compliance mechanism applies.
03
Verify Current Requirements
Confirm implementation dates, vessel category, terminal conditions and the current official CARB requirements.
Regulatory timing matters. CARB requirements are phased by vessel and terminal category. Applicable implementation dates should therefore be checked for the specific project instead of relying on a generic California rule.
11 · Maritime Policy Context

Where Shore Power Fits in Maritime Decarbonization Policy

Shore power enables a vessel to obtain electrical power from shore instead of relying solely on onboard auxiliary generation while at berth.

Shore power can reduce local at-berth emissions, but it should not automatically be described as zero-emission or zero-carbon electricity.
01 Electricity Mix

Overall greenhouse-gas performance depends partly on how the shore electricity is generated.

02 Vessel Load

The electrical demand displaced from onboard auxiliary generation affects the emissions outcome.

03 Time at Berth

Operating duration influences the practical benefit of using the shore connection.

04 System Utilization

Actual use matters. Installed infrastructure alone does not determine the emissions outcome.

Policy Context
IMO greenhouse-gas strategy and regional maritime policies provide broader decarbonization context for technologies that reduce emissions in port. These policy frameworks should not be confused with the electrical engineering standards that define the technical shore connection.
Technical standards answer how a shore connection is engineered. Environmental and regulatory policies address why, where and under what conditions shore power may be deployed or used.
12 · Project Compliance Review

What Should Be Checked Before Defining Shore Power Compliance Requirements?

Applicable shore power standards cannot be selected reliably from a product name alone. Review should begin with the actual vessel, shore grid, berth, interface and approval route.

01

Vessel Electrical System

Confirm vessel voltage, frequency, LV or HV connection and maximum electrical demand at berth.

02

Shore Grid

Confirm grid voltage, grid frequency, fault conditions, earthing arrangement and available capacity.

03

Shore-to-Ship Interface

Define connection point, cable arrangement, connector type, interface rating and vessel compatibility.

04

Power Conversion

Determine voltage transformation, 50/60 Hz conversion, system capacity, output configuration and redundancy.

05

Protection & Interlocking

Define protection coordination, safety interlocks, operating sequence and applicable emergency functions.

06

Monitoring & Communication

Review monitoring points, control interfaces and any required shore-to-ship data communication.

07

Class & Regulatory Requirements

Confirm classification society, port requirements, regional regulation and owner specifications.

08

Verification & Documentation

Define drawing review, FAT, SAT, witnessing, third-party inspection and required technical records.

The correct standards package is project-specific. Voltage alone is not enough to define the complete compliance route.
Shore Power Selection Guide → System Architecture → Manufacturing & FAT →
13 · Project-Specific Engineering

Standards Are Reviewed as Part of the Actual Shore Power Project

SDACME engineers shore power systems according to the applicable project requirements rather than applying one generic configuration to every vessel or berth.

The engineering review may consider the vessel electrical system, shore-grid conditions, connection method, conversion requirements, protection, communication, classification requirements and the agreed testing and documentation scope.

  • Vessel voltage and frequency
  • LV or HV shore connection
  • Shore-grid conditions
  • Transformer arrangement
  • Frequency conversion
  • Connection equipment
  • Protection and interlocking
  • Monitoring and communication
  • Classification requirements
  • FAT and documentation scope
For high-voltage projects, IEC/IEEE 80005-1 may be used as a design basis where relevant to the project scope.

Classification-society requirements are addressed according to the specific project scope, applicable approval route and agreed documentation requirements.

Factory verification and documentation can be defined according to the agreed equipment and project scope. See Shore Power Manufacturing & FAT for the project delivery and verification process.
Shore power frequency converter equipment during factory assembly
Shore power frequency-conversion equipment during factory assembly. Final configuration and verification scope depend on the approved project requirements.
14 · FAQ & Official References

Shore Power Standards and Compliance FAQs

The applicable shore power framework depends on the electrical system, vessel interface, project location, classification requirements and approval route. The following answers address common standards and compliance questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main international standards for shore power systems?

The IEC/IEEE 80005 series provides a principal international framework for defined shore connection applications. IEC/IEEE 80005-1 addresses high-voltage shore connection, IEC/IEEE 80005-2 addresses monitoring and control data communication, and IEC/IEEE 80005-3 addresses defined low-voltage shore connection systems. IEC 60309-5 and the IEC 62613 series address defined connection accessories within their respective scopes.

What is the difference between IEC/IEEE 80005-1, -2 and -3?

80005-1 primarily addresses HV shore connection systems. 80005-2 addresses monitoring and control data communication. 80005-3 addresses defined LV shore connection systems. They perform different functions and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Which standard applies to high-voltage shore power?

IEC/IEEE 80005-1 provides the principal international technical framework for high-voltage shore connection systems within its defined scope. Project requirements may additionally include communication, connection-accessory, class and regional requirements.

Which standard applies to low-voltage shore power?

IEC/IEEE 80005-3:2025 addresses defined low-voltage shore connection systems within its stated scope, including applications up to 1 MVA, three-phase connections rated 250 A and above, and nominal voltages from 400 V AC to 1,000 V AC.

Which standard covers shore-to-ship monitoring and control communication?

IEC/IEEE 80005-2 addresses data communication for monitoring and control between shore and ship where such communication is required. It does not replace the electrical-system requirements of IEC/IEEE 80005-1 or IEC/IEEE 80005-3.

Which standards cover shore power plugs and connection accessories?

IEC 60309-5 addresses defined low-voltage shore connection accessories. IEC 62613-1 and IEC 62613-2 address defined high-voltage shore connection accessories. Actual project interfaces should still be confirmed against vessel and project data.

Is an “IEC certified shore power system” the same as a system designed with reference to IEC standards?

No. Applying an IEC or IEC/IEEE standard as an engineering reference does not automatically establish product certification. A conformity or certification claim requires a defined scope, assessment route and supporting evidence.

Does classification approval mean all shore-side equipment is certified?

No. Classification societies may apply vessel-level notations, readiness concepts, drawing reviews, testing and approval requirements. Those concepts should not be treated as universal product certification for all shore-side equipment.

Do AFIR and FuelEU Maritime impose the same shore power requirement?

No. AFIR primarily addresses infrastructure availability at qualifying ports, while FuelEU Maritime includes vessel-use requirements within its defined scope. Their dates, thresholds, conditions and exceptions are different.

Where does the EU ETS fit?

Maritime transport has been included in the EU ETS since 2024. The EU ETS is an emissions-accounting and carbon-pricing framework. It is not an IEC shore power technical standard and is not itself a universal shore-power installation mandate.

Are there exemptions to the FuelEU Maritime shore power requirements?

Yes. FuelEU Maritime contains defined scope conditions and exceptions. The 2030 requirements should therefore not be interpreted as applying universally to every ship, berth and European port.

Does California CARB allow only shore power for at-berth compliance?

No. Shore power is an important pathway, but CARB also recognizes approved emissions-control strategies and defined alternative compliance options where applicable.

Can one shore power standard be applied to every vessel and port?

No. Voltage, power demand, ship interface, communication, connector arrangement, classification society, location, regional regulation and approval route can all affect the applicable standards package.

Shore Power Project Review

Need to Determine Which Shore Power Requirements Apply to Your Project?

Send us the available vessel, shore-grid and interface information. SDACME can review the electrical configuration and identify the standards, system architecture and project requirements that should be considered for the proposed shore power system.

Start with the project data — not with a generic compliance label. Voltage level alone does not determine the complete shore power system or compliance route.
Request a Project Review → View Selection Guide
Information to Provide

Basic Data for Shore Power Standards & System Review

Provide as much information as currently available. Missing items can be clarified during the technical review.

  • 01
    Shore Grid Voltage, frequency and available electrical capacity.
  • 02
    Vessel Electrical Requirements Vessel voltage, frequency and maximum berth power demand.
  • 03
    LV or HV Connection Intended voltage level and available vessel-side connection data.
  • 04
    Shore-to-Ship Interface Connector, cable, cable-management and interface information.
  • 05
    Project Location Port, country and environmental/site conditions.
  • 06
    Class / Regulatory Requirements Classification society, port requirements, owner specification or known approval requirements.
Project-specific engineering: final standards, equipment configuration, testing scope, documentation and approval requirements are defined according to the agreed project data and technical scope.
SDACME Shore Power Systems