Energy Resilience for Critical Maritime Infrastructure

At the Port of Honolulu, researchers supported by the United States Department of Energy are studying how microgrids and energy storage could keep critical port operations running during extended power outages. The analysis focuses on electrified cranes, distributed energy resources, and “island mode” operation—ensuring cargo flow continues even when the main grid fails. The work highlights how resilient energy systems could strengthen the continuity of essential supply chains delivering food, fuel, medicine, and equipment to Hawaii, with broader implications for critical infrastructure security and logistics resilience.