cold ironing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cold ironing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in maritime contexts to refer to the practice of using shore power to supply electricity to a ship while it is docked, allowing it to turn off its engines and reduce emissions. Example: "The port has implemented cold ironing facilities to help reduce air pollution from docked vessels."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Princess cruise line was the first to embrace the technology, known in the maritime industry as cold ironing, introducing it 10 years ago in Juneau, Alaska.

The New York Times

Last September, the city and the Port Authority lobbied the commission to institute a lower rate for shore power, aimed specifically at making cold ironing cheaper.

The New York Times

Representatives of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the piers, and the city's Economic Development Corporation, which leases Pier 12 for the cruise ship terminal, said that cold ironing is set to come to Brooklyn by 2011.

The New York Times

According to the Port Authority's numbers, based on 48 dockings each year, cold ironing would prevent 95 tons of nitrogen oxides, 6.5 tons of particulate matter (tiny particles suspended in a gas), 1,487 tons of carbon dioxide and 99 tons of sulfur dioxide from being released into the air.

The New York Times

Most vexing, he added, is that a better alternative exists: San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle are among the West Coast ports that employ a process called cold ironing, in which docked vessels plug into what amounts to a giant extension cord from the shore.

The New York Times

In order to simplify the analysis of cold ironing, a single tooth ironing die, instead of a whole gear die, has been designed and made.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It repeatedly stripped down "Cold Irons Bound" to its blues beat, then let layers of guitar coalesce and dissolve.

The New York Times - Arts

Cold branding or branding with cold irons became in the 18th century the mode of nominally inflicting the punishment on prisoners of higher rank.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, in terms of his own nature, Oppenheimer is a man in whom professional pride is accompanied by "a core of cold iron".

The Guardian

Pulling into New Orleans on Wednesday, under a cold, iron-gray sky, I was surprised, first at how much had changed, and then at how little.

The New Yorker

Young people seem to keep bearing-the-brunt of tough rules as the Conservatives' cold, iron grasp continues to tighten around the neck of the student community.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental impact in maritime contexts, use "cold ironing" to specifically refer to the practice of reducing ship emissions while docked.

Common error

Avoid using "cold ironing" when referring to general ship maintenance or repairs; the term specifically denotes using shore power to reduce emissions while the ship is docked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold ironing" functions as a noun phrase, specifically referring to the practice of providing shore power to ships while docked. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly used in maritime contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cold ironing" is a noun phrase that refers to the practice of supplying shore power to ships while docked, reducing emissions. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and primarily used in maritime contexts. While not a very common phrase, it's important to understand its specific meaning to avoid misapplication. Alternatives like "shore power" or "alternative maritime power" (AMP) can be used depending on the context. This phrase is used in a neutral register and can be found in News & Media and Science publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shore power

Refers specifically to the electricity supplied to a ship from the shore while docked, emphasizing the power source.

alternative maritime power (AMP)

A more formal term often used in industry and technical documentation, highlighting the alternative nature of the power source.

onshore power supply (OPS)

Focuses on the location of the power supply, emphasizing its being situated on the shore.

ship-to-shore power

Emphasizes the direction of the power flow, from the shore to the ship.

connecting to shore-side electricity

A more descriptive phrase that clarifies the action of plugging into a land-based power source.

grid-connected shore power

Highlights the connection to the electrical grid, important for understanding the source and reliability of the power.

plugging into shore power

Focuses on the physical act of connecting a ship to the shore power source.

using land-based power for ships

A broader term that describes the general concept of powering ships from land.

dockside electrification

Implies a broader infrastructure project, including more than simply the power connection.

maritime grid connection

This emphasizes the connection between the ship and the wider electrical grid via a maritime port.

FAQs

What does the term "cold ironing" mean in the maritime industry?

"Cold ironing" refers to the practice of supplying shore power to a ship while it is docked, allowing the ship to turn off its engines and reduce emissions.

Is "cold ironing" the same as shore power?

Yes, "cold ironing" is a common term for "shore power", which describes providing electricity to ships from a land-based source while they are docked.

What are the environmental benefits of "cold ironing"?

"Cold ironing" significantly reduces air pollution from ships in port by allowing them to shut down their diesel generators, decreasing emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.

What are some alternative phrases for "cold ironing"?

Alternatives include "shore power", "alternative maritime power" (AMP), and "onshore power supply" (OPS).