The US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (DOT) has teamed up with the Port of New Bedford, Massachusetts to test the emissions reduction benefits of cold-ironing.

The DOT is to give $150,000 to help develop an environmental study that will examine the effects that having ships use shore-generated power has on the port.

The port will focus on areas where shore power may realistically be used. It will also look into further alternative energy sources that are better for the environment, according to a report in Trading Market.

Cold-ironing allows ships to turn off their engines at berth. This cuts ships' bunker consumption and reduces their emissions while in port.

The Californian ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have been leaders in developing shore-side electrical power for container vessels.

In South Korea, Busan New Port is to have eight cold ironing systems in place by early-2009.

At a conference in Rotterdam in July, supporters of cold-ironing said it could be used by cruise ships, bulk carriers and  other types of vessels.

In Hong Kong, however, plans for cold ironing were shelved due to difficulties in installing shore power.

The study by the DOT and the Port of New Bedford is expected to be released in 2009.