Portsmouth International Port to offer shore power from 2025

UK’s Portsmouth International Port has contracted Swiss engineering firm ABB to install shore power at three of its berths.

PHOTO: Aerial view of Portsmouth International Port. Portsmouth International Port

Shore power will be available at two ferry berths and an additional berth used by both ferries and cruise ships. Each of the berths will have five power points to connect to an onshore electrical power supply.

Under the agreement, ABB will install, commission and maintain the shore power connection.

Upon completion, it will enable vessels to turn off their engines while at berth and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from vessels at the port significantly, Portsmouth International Port claims.

The installation is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024 and to be operational by the second quarter of 2025.

It is part of the port’s Sea Change project that aims to “design, build and operate a ‘shore power’ system across the three busiest berths at Portsmouth International Port.”

Shore power or “cold ironing” has been gaining traction across ports and ship operators globally because it helps to reduce emissions while a ship is berthed.

According to the classification society DNV, there are currently 118 facilities across ports globally that offer shore power connectivity to vessels, with 47 more planned and four under discussion.

By Tuhin Roy

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