Net Zero Marine (NZM) and Svitzer achieved a significant milestone in their green energy transition on October 21, 2025, with the successful launch of a cutting-edge shorepower system at Denton Wharf on the River Thames. This facility is the largest shorepower installation on the River Thames and represents one of the largest non-subsidized projects of its kind in the UK, demonstrating the viability of private investment in green infrastructure.
Environmental and Operational Impact
The installation of the $0.55\text{ MegaWatt}$ shorepower system offers immediate and substantial environmental benefits by eliminating the need for diesel generators used by the berthed vessels:
- CO₂ Emissions Reduction: The system is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 280,000 kg annually.
- Diesel Savings: This reduction is equivalent to avoiding the burning of 4,000 litres of diesel every week.
- Renewable Energy Source: The electrical power supply uses a 100$ renewable tariff from TotalEnergies.
- Policy Support: Since nearly 50% of UK domestic maritime greenhouse gas emissions come from vessels at berth, this project directly supports the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy (2025) and contributes to cleaner air for the local community.
Technical Specifications and Future Vision
The installation was built for high resilience and safety to supply zero-emissions power to the Svitzer tug fleet operating from the wharf:
- System Resilience: It incorporates two independent suppliers for enhanced resilience.
- Infrastructure: The project utilized nearly 900m of marine-grade cabling and installed five isolation points for safety, along with a cable bridge over the flood wall.
- NZM and Svitzer Collaboration: This pioneering project is part of a larger global vision shared by NZM and towage operator Svitzer to roll out shore power and charging infrastructure. Svitzer is further supporting this by delivering the first of its electric tug fleet in 2025, which is expected to cut CO2 emissions.
Stakeholder Praise and Industry Momentum
The launch event was well-received and highlighted the importance of industry-wide collaboration in achieving decarbonisation goals.
- Net Zero Marine (Miles Cole, Head of Origination): Expressed pride in the project and the ambition to roll out many more such projects to improve air quality in the UK maritime sector.
- Svitzer (Michael Paterson, Managing Director, UK): Described the facility as an important step toward Svitzer’s ambitious target of becoming net zero by 2040.
- Port of London Authority (Grace Rawnsley, Director of Sustainability): Applauded the project, calling shore power essential to decarbonising ports and inland waterways.
- Maritime Minister (Keir Mather): Stated that projects like this are vital to decarbonising maritime and charting a course to net zero by 2050.
- Story Plant (John Story, Chair): Thanked all parties for their cooperation in bringing the first of the Net Zero Marine projects to fruition.
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Source: Net Zero Marine
