What does "cold ironing" refer to in marine operations?

"Cold ironing" refers specifically to the practice of providing shore power to a docked ship. This process allows a vessel to shut down its onboard generators and engines while connected to an electrical power source from the shore. This method is particularly beneficial in reducing emissions, noise pollution, and overall environmental impact while the ship is in port, as it eliminates the need for the ship's engines to run during idle time.

This practice is increasingly adopted in modern marine operations to comply with stricter environmental regulations and to improve air quality in harbor areas. By utilizing shore power, ships can operate essential systems without relying on their auxiliary engines, thereby contributing to a cleaner marine environment.