Portsmouth connects first cruise ship to shore power system

Portsmouth International Port in the UK has completed its first commercial shore power connection for a cruise ship.

IMAGE: Virgin Voyages’ cruise ship Valiant Lady connected to shore power at Portsmouth. Portsmouth International Port

Florida-based cruise operator Virgin Voyages’ cruise ship Valiant Lady became the first cruise vessel to connect to the port's shore power system, allowing it to switch off its onboard engines while alongside and cut emissions.

The milestone also marked the first simultaneous shore power connection of two vessels, with French ferry operator Brittany Ferries' Guillaume de Normandie plugging into the system at the same time.

The shore power project was funded by the UK's Department for Transport (DfT) and Innovate UK.

Last month, Portsmouth International Port announced that the system had become fully operational after successfully completing its final round of testing.

By Tuhin Roy

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