Portsmouth International Port has begun installing an advanced shore power system as part of the Sea Change project, making it the first in the UK to support multiple ships at different electrical frequencies simultaneously. This innovative system will allow up to three vessels to plug in at once, enabling them to power down their engines while at berth and operate on battery power in and out of the port.
Key Project Details
- System Activation: Set for spring of next year, the system will enable docked ships to plug into clean, renewable electricity, which is supplied by a 600-meter, 33-kilovolt cable. This new connection, secured through Scottish and Southern Energy in 2023, will add 15 MVA of clean energy capacity for the port.
- Funding: The project is funded by a £19.8 million grant from the UK Department for Transport, £4.6 million from Portsmouth City Council, and an additional £3 million to secure the necessary power capacity.
- Partner Investments: Brittany Ferries—a major project partner—has invested €550 million to modernize its fleet, including two new LNG-electric hybrid ferries based in Portsmouth, which will utilize the shore power system.
Environmental Impact
The project aims to significantly cut emissions, with potential savings of 20,000 tonnes of CO2 annually by 2027, and to improve air quality for residents. Cllr Kimberly Barrett from Portsmouth City Council expressed excitement about the project’s alignment with the city’s ambitious sustainability goals, highlighting the improvement in air quality as a major benefit.
National and Industry Support
Maritime Minister Mike Kane praised the initiative for contributing to the UK’s goals of reducing emissions in the shipping sector. He noted that ports across the country are pursuing similar decarbonization strategies to make the shipping sector more environmentally friendly.
Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between ship owners, fuel companies, ports, and government bodies to achieve net-zero goals by 2050. He expressed that the project allows hybrid vessels to maximize their sustainability potential, benefiting the entire industry.
Engineering Works and System Features
The project includes the construction of a trench and cable installation, as well as complex engineering on three berths where the shore power system will be set up. A flexible cable management system will be installed to accommodate vessels of varying sizes, ensuring that ships from Brittany Ferries and other shore-power-ready vessels, such as cruise ships, can connect seamlessly.
With the Sea Change project, Portsmouth International Port is setting a precedent for sustainable port operations in the UK, offering an essential blueprint for other ports as the maritime industry shifts toward clean energy solutions.
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Source: Portsmouth International Port
