What is argon ?

Argon is a colorless,odorless, tasteless gas. It is the most abundant rare gas in air(0,934%). It is heavier than methane and nitrogen (1,7836 kg/m3). It is non toxic and non flammable. By displacing air, it can bring risks of anoxia.
Argon is non corrosive and can be used with any metal at ambient conditions.
Due to its thermal properties, argon is widely used for double glass windows or diving suits...

What is « Shore power »« Cold ironing », HVSC (HSCV is an acronym for High Voltage Shore Connection.)

This term describe the same practice : connecting ships to on shore power network when they are in port to allow them to stop their generator sets.
Such practice is routinely used for Navy ships and is starting to be implemented for commercial vessels, mostly for environmental reasons.

Expected gains are :

• better comfort due to the suppression of the generator sets noise and vibration ;

• suppression of local emissions ;

• reduction of generator sets fuel and maintenance costs.

Historically « cold ironing » is a US navy term coming from the fact that once the on board gensets have been stopped, the steel mass of the whole engine room gets cold !