- Heysham will become the UK’s first net-zero port, with £10 million invested in shore power under a wider £100 million partnership.
- Full electrification across Peel Ports Group locations could cut 166,800 tonnes of CO₂ annually, along with major NOₓ, SO₂, and methane reductions.
- NatPower Marine is developing a global charging network of 120 ports by 2030, alongside 12.5 GW of clean energy projects and large-scale battery storage.
- The initiative positions the Irish Sea as a leading green shipping corridor while supporting the UK’s broader economic and decarbonisation goals.
NatPower Marine and Peel Ports Group are set to commence installation of shore power at Heysham in September 2025, with the first plug live in the initial phase and expansion to four across all berths, by 2026. This will enable all Heysham routes within the Irish sea to operate with zero emissions while at berth and at sea, supporting full electric propulsion of the ferry services, as the first part of the full electrification of the Irish sea.
The investment supports the UK Government’s industrial and economic growth objectives through more sustainable passenger and freight routes. NatPower Marine is further developing partnerships with other ports and shipping operators in the area.
Once all four berths at Heysham are electrified, the infrastructure will enable vessels in the Irish sea routes to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 10,000 tonnes per year, alongside significant reductions in NOₓ and SOₓ.
Heysham’s Path to Becoming the UK’s First Net-Zero Port
The Heysham shore power initiative represents an investment of around £10 million, with NatPower Marine responsible for delivering the infrastructure and Peel Ports Group overseeing site and operational support. This project is part of a wider £100 million collaboration between the two companies aimed at expanding e-ship charging facilities across ports in Great Britain and the islands of Ireland.
Peel Ports Group has set a clear goal of making Heysham the UK’s first net-zero port, building on progress already made in cutting landside emissions by as much as 90% and improving air quality in the region. The Heysham development marks a significant step toward achieving that target and demonstrates how electrification can reshape port operations.
The environmental benefits extend beyond Heysham. Once fully implemented across Peel Ports Group’s network, shore power is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 166,800 tonnes annually, alongside major reductions in nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and methane. These improvements highlight the scale of change that electrification can bring to the UK’s busiest maritime routes.
Commenting on the project, Martin Olverson, Development Director Marine at NatPower Marine, noted that Heysham will be the starting point of the UK’s first green shipping corridor. He emphasized that the expansion from one berth to four will give operators confidence to accelerate vessel electrification, supporting the shift toward a cleaner, zero-emission shipping network.
Building the Infrastructure for a Zero-Emission Fleet
Shipping remains the backbone of world trade, carrying more than 80% of global goods. Yet, the industry accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than the total produced by Germany—along with 14% of nitrogen oxides and 17% of sulfur oxides. These figures underline the challenge of reducing emissions for the health of communities today and the sustainability of the planet tomorrow.
As regulations tighten, shipping operators are accelerating efforts to electrify both port activities and vessel propulsion. Meeting this demand will require 4 petawatt-hours of clean energy annually, equivalent to the entire electricity consumption of the United States.
NatPower Marine is stepping into this challenge by building large-scale e-ship charging infrastructure, starting in the UK. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to invest in a global charging network spanning 120 port locations by 2030, with Heysham forming part of the £100 million partnership with Peel Ports Group. This network is designed to provide the backbone for zero-emission propulsion and cold ironing at ports.
To support clean and reliable energy supply, NatPower is also advancing over 12.5 gigawatts of renewable GigaParks projects in the UK, along with 100 gigawatt-hours of battery storage. These projects will help balance the fluctuating demand of electric ships while ensuring ports have access to steady, sustainable power through direct purchasing agreements or private energy connections.
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Source: Marine Insight
