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This report presents the findings of the pre-study Scalable Onshore Power Supply Systems for Mid-Sized Ports, conducted within the Lighthouse/Swedish Transport Administration’s industry programme Sustainable Shipping. The study responds to the growing need for Onshore Power Supply (OPS) in ports as a result of tighter climate regulations, increasing vessel electrification, and the implementation of the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). For many mid-sized ports, future power demand, vessel characteristics, and grid capacity remain uncertain, creating a need for OPS solutions that are flexible, scalable, and economically robust and resilient. 

The objective of this pre-study was to provide decision support for planning and implementing OPS systems capable of adapting over time. The work combined a review of international standards and guidelines with stakeholder input from a shipping company and a port authority. Based on defined vessel power requirements, conceptual OPS solutions were developed for low-, medium-, and high-power scenarios, covering a range of different connection strategies, system architectures, and operational conditions. 

The results indicate that considering scalability at an early stage is a key requirement for future-proofing OPS systems in mid-sized ports. Early design decisions related to grid connection level, system topology, and physical layout have a major influence on future expansion options and lifecycle costs. Modular OPS architectures were identified as particularly advantageous, as they support phased investments, improve efficiency at partial loads, and enable flexible operation for mixed- and changing-vessel traffic while maintaining compliance with power-quality requirements. 

The study also finds that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can play an important supporting role when applied selectively and based on realistic vessel-power profiles. In such cases, BESS can help limit peak-power demand, mitigate grid constraints, reduce exposure to power-based tariffs, and improve dynamic system performance. However, BESS is not a universal requirement and should be evaluated based on local conditions and development pathways. 

Consistent adoption of international standards, particularly the IEC/IEEE 80005 series, is essential to ensure safe and interoperable shore-to-ship connections. This report therefore emphasizes performance-based procurement, modular planning, and early coordination between ports, ship operators, and grid operators. Overall, this report offers practical guidance for mid-sized ports seeking to implement OPS in a way that supports gradual electrification, reduces investment risk, and facilitates long-term adaptability.