Discover the transformative journey towards greener maritime practices and clean shipping corridors.
- Stefano Sommadossi emphasises the crucial shift in the marine sector to reduce pollution.
- NatPower Marine and Peel Ports Group collaborate to pioneer clean shipping routes in the UK.
- The Environmental Audit Committee outlines necessary steps for UK shipping industry’s decarbonisation.
- Investments in renewable energy and infrastructure are vital for sustainable marine operations.
With the increasing urgency of climate change, the marine sector is presented with a unique opportunity to decarbonise through the implementation of electric vessels and the establishment of green shipping corridors. Stefano Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower Marine, notes the immense environmental impact of the shipping industry, which facilitates 80% of global trade and contributes significantly to sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions.
NatPower Marine has committed to a £100 million investment in Peel Port Group’s eight ports to enable electric ship operations. This move is part of a larger plan to develop 120 clean ports worldwide by 2030. The initial shipping routes, such as Belfast to Heysham and Dublin to Birkenhead, are set to decrease carbon emissions significantly, with Heysham Port aiming to become the UK’s first net-zero port.
The partnership between NatPower Marine and Peel Ports Group has been solidified through a memorandum of understanding, an essential step towards creating a reliable electric ship charging network. Such infrastructure facilitates electric propulsion and cold ironing, i.e., accessing clean power while docked. Sommadossi identifies the lack of infrastructure as a key barrier to the widespread adoption of electric ships, akin to resolving a ‘chicken and egg’ issue.
Technical considerations for installing charging facilities at ports include the development of multipurpose plugs to accommodate various vessel types and substantial grid connections to handle intermittent electricity demand. These installations are challenging, as they bear significant costs, often compared to ‘electric vehicles on steroids’ in terms of complexity and expense.
There is also a crucial need for renewable energy sources to power these installations, with NatPower Marine working on establishing Giga parks in the UK to supply clean electricity. Battery storage solutions are being developed to support long-haul journeys and local energy requirements at ports, further underpinning the transition to sustainable marine practices.
Coinciding with NatPower Marine’s investment announcement, the UK’s Environmental Audit Committee has released a report emphasising the need for the government to support the maritime sector’s transition to net-zero emissions. Recommendations include setting interim targets for emission reductions, supporting zero-emission marine fuel production, and providing clear policy signals to the industry.
The move to decarbonise the marine sector is both an environmental imperative and a strategic opportunity.
