The Portsmouth International Port is on track to become the UK’s leading shore power port, following confirmation it will accept an offer from Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) to secure extra power.
In under two years the port will be able to support multiple ships that have capacity to plug-in when they’re alongside the berth, in line with the Portsmouth City Council’s and the government’s 2030 target.
The extra capacity from SSEN will provide an initial 15MVA (Mega-Volt Amp), which starts the process of providing shore power through to the berths where the ships can plug-in.
Installation will be completed by 2025, in time for Brittany Ferries, who has two new hybrid ships which will operate from Portsmouth the same year, with the remaining fleet being converted to shore power by early 2027.
The port is also expecting a minimum of 100 shore power ready cruise calls by 2026, and by 2030 there is an expectation from industry trade body CLIA all cruise vessels will need to be shore power compliant
Both the environmental and economic benefits for the city and wider region are significant, this extra power unlocks the opportunity to secure new customers to the port but most importantly it means a long-term agreement from major customers, because they have the confidence we can provide the necessary power
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said.
This extra capacity power from SSEN will cost approximately £3m to secure, with further funds required to complete the whole shore power process.
