Designed for e-ferries and electric tugs where turnaround time is measured in minutes — the REGBES robotic interface connects automatically, every time, without manual cable handling.
E-ferries and electric tugs operate on tight turnaround schedules — often less than 10 minutes at berth. Manual connection of high-voltage shore power cables is slow, physically demanding, and operationally inconsistent. Missed connections mean missed charging windows. The REGBES autonomous interface solves this by removing the manual step entirely — the system detects, aligns, and connects without operator intervention, every departure cycle.
From vessel arrival to shore power connected — the REGBES autonomous interface handles the entire connection process without operator intervention.
As the vessel approaches the berth, the interface enters standby. The image-processing system begins monitoring the vessel hull and connection point in real time, accounting for tide, drift, and vessel position variation.
The robotic arm extends and aligns with the vessel's shore power inlet using continuous image-processing feedback. The system compensates for movement in real time, guiding the plug head to the correct position regardless of berth layout or plug standard.
The plug engages and shore power transfer begins. The system monitors the connection throughout the charging cycle and disconnects safely when the vessel is ready to depart — fully automated, no operator required at any stage.
Automatic connection begins the moment the vessel is in position — no waiting for an operator. Every available minute of turnaround time is used for charging, not handling.
Shore power cables carrying high currents are heavy and physically demanding to handle. Removing the manual step eliminates the associated injury risk and reduces operator fatigue across multiple daily cycles.
Tidal variation, vessel drift, and berth layout differences that complicate manual connection are handled automatically by the image-processing system. The same reliable connection, every cycle.
The system is not tied to a single plug standard or a fixed berth geometry. It adapts to the vessel and the installation — reducing the integration work required at each terminal.
The REGBES autonomous charging interface combines a motorised cable reel, robotic arm, image-processing camera system, and shore power control electronics in a single integrated unit. The system can be connected directly to a shore power cabinet or grid interface — a separate CMS is not required.
The autonomous interface is most valuable where turnaround time is short, cycle frequency is high, and manual handling becomes a bottleneck.
High-frequency routes with short turnaround windows — 5 to 15 minutes at berth. Every departure cycle requires a reliable connection. Automation eliminates the manual bottleneck entirely.
Primary applicationTugs operate continuously across a port — multiple berthing cycles per shift. Automated connection reduces crew workload and ensures the battery is topped up between jobs.
Primary applicationAny full-electric vessel with a high cycle frequency and limited berth time benefits from automated connection — harbour craft, patrol vessels, and electric workboats.
ApplicableThe autonomous interface is designed to integrate with existing port infrastructure. A separate cable management system is not required — the unit connects directly to your shore power supply or grid interface.
The Smart Power Booster project — backed by Rotterdam Municipality — demonstrates the automated shore-to-ship connection in a live port environment. The demo shows the full connection cycle without manual operator intervention.
Watch demo video ↗Opens on YouTube · Smart Power Booster — Rotterdam Municipality
The autonomous charging interface connects to your existing shore power supply — or REGBES can supply the grid interface unit as part of the installation. Two formats are available depending on your berth layout and infrastructure requirements.
A fixed pedestal-mounted shore power cabinet installed at the berth. Integrates directly with the autonomous charging interface on the same structure. Suited to permanent berth installations where quayside space allows a dedicated tower unit.
A self-contained shore power unit housed in a standard container format. Rapidly deployable — can be positioned at any berth with a grid connection, without permanent civil works. Suited to ports requiring flexibility or phased OPS rollout.
Both formats use the internal cabinet render (IEC 80005-1 compliant power electronics) — IEC 80005-1 compliant power electronics, compatible with existing port grid connections. REGBES can supply as part of a complete installation or integrate with your existing shore power supply.
Book a technical demo with the REGBES engineering team — we'll walk you through the system, discuss your berth layout, and answer your integration questions.
