Portsmouth City Council has agreed to support efforts by the city’s port to provide shore power to cruise ships docked at its terminal.
Namely, Portsmouth International Port plans to have shore power installed by the end of 2022 for smaller cruise ships before introducing shore power across all of its berths.
A ship with shore power connection capability can plug into the national grid at port, rather than burning fuel.
Government support would be required to help fund the project, said the cruise hub, after the city’s council cabinet approved a strategy for shore power provision.
Port director Mike Sellers said: “We’re determined to be industry leaders when it comes to sustainability.
“With support, there are many quick sustainability wins within the industry, and we already have the demand. The shipping industry are pushing forward on clean fuel technology.”
Brittany Ferries has placed orders for new hybrid ferries for its Portsmouth to France routes, which will come into service from 2024.
Sellers added: “Collaboration is key to upgrading the port’s electricity supply so that clean energy can be provided to all vessels when they are alongside.”
The city council also reiterated its support for plans to introduce a hydrogen electrolyser, which can create green hydrogen using renewable electricity, at the port. This is instead of blue hydrogen, which is created using fossil fuels.
Jerry Clarke, senior project manager, said: “As a port operating in the heart of a major city, and that is owned by the people of Portsmouth, we have an obligation to do everything we can to minimise our impact as we continue to grow sustainably in the coming years.”
