Portsmouth International Port is spearheading maritime sustainability with a new £27.4M shore power system, aiming to reduce emissions by enabling ships to connect to clean electricity while docked.
- The Sea Change project represents a significant advancement in UK port operations, uniquely offering multi-frequency electrical connections for several ships simultaneously.
- By spring next year, the port will allow three vessels to turn off engines while docked, aiding transitions into clean energy navigation in Portsmouth harbour.
- Essential infrastructure, including a 600m cable and flexible cable management, is underway, ensuring power sourced entirely from renewable energy.
- The project is financially backed by the UK government and Portsmouth City Council, promising substantial environmental and air quality improvements for the local area.
Portsmouth International Port has embarked on an ambitious journey to reduce maritime emissions through its groundbreaking £27.4M shore power project. The initiative, titled the Sea Change project, is poised to set a precedent in the United Kingdom by offering a multi-frequency electrical power system capable of servicing multiple ships concurrently. This innovative approach allows docked vessels to connect to clean electric power, thereby significantly curtailing their carbon emissions.
The installation, expected to be operational by next spring, marks a pioneering step for the port, as it will allow up to three ships to plug into the new system simultaneously. This capability not only permits the vessels to power down their engines while docked but also leverages battery power for navigation within Portsmouth harbour. To support this transformation, a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade is underway, featuring the installation of a 600m, 33kV cable under the port’s car lanes, effectively linking the port’s energy needs to the electricity grid.
In 2023, the port managed to secure an additional 15MVA capacity from Scottish and Southern Energy, guaranteeing that all the power supplied is drawn from renewable sources. Financial endorsements have been critical to the project’s progression, with £19.8M sourced from the Department for Transport and an additional £7.6M from Portsmouth City Council. Of this, £3M was specifically allocated to secure the necessary power for the project’s sustainable aspirations.
Substantial engineering efforts are being directed across the dock’s three berths, integrating a versatile cable management system to accommodate a diverse range of ship sizes. This advancement enhances Portsmouth’s capacity to serve various types of vessels, making it a more versatile and efficient port of call. AtkinsRéalis has played an instrumental role in fulfilling these ambitions, offering expertise in civil and structural design, managing procurement processes, and guiding environmental assessments and planning permissions.
The Sea Change project has also attracted notable involvement from Brittany Ferries, which has committed €550M (£455M) towards rejuvenating its fleet, including the introduction of two LNG-electric hybrid ferries stationed at Portsmouth. These new vessels are scheduled to begin operations early next year, immediately taking advantage of the updated shore power capabilities. Beyond ferry services, the port is poised to accommodate any cruise ships equipped for shore power, broadening the scope of its operational improvements.
This venture into clean technology is anticipated to deliver notable air quality enhancements for Portsmouth’s residents. Preliminary estimates suggest a reduction of approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually from 2027 onwards, aligning with broader environmental objectives set by local and national authorities. Such initiatives underscore the commitment to addressing climate change impacts and enriching sustainable development within the maritime sector.
Portsmouth International Port is leading a transformative shift in maritime sustainability, setting new benchmarks for clean energy integration across UK ports.
