BS EN 15869-1:2019

What is BS EN 15869‑1-Electrical shore connection for inland navigation vessels about?   

BS EN 15869 is European Standard that discusses inland navigation vessels and their related electrical shore connections. 

BS EN 15869‑1 is the first part of the series that specifies requirements for electrical installations for the shore supply of berthing inland navigation vessels with electrical energy, three-phase current 400 V, 50 Hz with a rated current of up to 125 A. 

Note: BS EN 15869‑1 applies to the supply of inland navigation vessels in ports and moorings for commercial inland navigation. 

Who is BS EN 15869‑1- Electrical shore connection for inland navigation vessels for?  

 BS EN 15869‑1 on inland navigation vessels is useful for:  

• Manufacturers of electrical equipment of ships and of marine structures 
• Vessel/barge operators  
• Inland water transport sector  
• Companies involved in construction of waterways, ports and dykes 
• Inland waterway transport authorities 
• Marine and shipbuilding industry 
• Electrical engineers 

Why should you use BS EN 15869‑1- Electrical shore connection for inland navigation vessels?   

Inland navigation vessels are equipped with a variety of electrical loads operating at 230 V or 400 V. While underway, a continuous electrical power supply is provided by the onboard system from generators driven by diesel engines.  

When the vessel is berthed, these generators remain in operation if there is no suitable onshore power supply available. In some cases, this leads to intense noise pollution both for the crew on the vessel itself and on other vessels lying alongside and also for residents ashore. The exhaust fumes are an additional pollution factor. 

The electrical shore connections specified in BS EN 15869‑1 make it possible to provide the vessels with an electrical power supply while berthed and to eliminate noise and exhaust pollution. BS EN 15869‑1 calls for a uniform Europe-wide shore connection that can be activated and deactivated by the vessel's crew in all ports and berths, if possible, without requiring any assistance from shore-based personnel. 

BS EN 15869‑1 contains electrical safety requirements for the prevention of hazards in making, using, and breaking the shore connection. Overall, compliance with the requirements can ensure optimal performance of all onboard services required at berth. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 15869‑1:2019 supersedes BS EN 15869‑1:2010, which is withdrawn. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows: 

• The maximum operating current increased up to 125 A and title has been changed 
• The scope has been extended and clarified 
• Clause 3 has been completed and the definitions of terms adapted to those used in EN 16840 
• Requirements common to all parts of the electrical system "shore connection" have been moved from Part 2 and Part 3 to Part 1 and merged 
• References from all parts of the EN 15869 series have been combined and inserted in Part 1