As the major climate conference COP27 continues in Egypt, it is more important than ever that we all play our part to cut carbon emissions in the global fight against climate change. In this context, Portsmouth International Port has worked with their towage provider to provide a shore power connection for their tugs, saving 131 tonnes of carbon per annum.
The port is also working closely with all their partners to enable them to reach their sustainability goals, which led to the collaboration between them and SMS Towage. Following a presentation by the port’s head of engineering, Stephen Watkyns on future plans for shore power in Portsmouth, SMS Towage contacted the port to see if an electricity connection could be provided for their tugs. This would allow them to switch off their diesel generators when in the port.
SMS Towage’s technical manager Ronald Keuning worked closely with port engineer Karl Feary to provide the quayside power connection. It’s been estimated that it will save 131 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, along with improving air quality. It has also improved life for the seafarers aboard the tugs, who carry out the vital job of guiding vessels safely into the port. Without the generators running, the tugs are now a much quieter place to rest.
Elly Howe, environmental and sustainability coordinator at Portsmouth International Port said:
This is an important step forward for the port and is just the start of our shore power journey. We want to be able to provide shore power on all our berths in the coming years ready for cruise vessels and Brittany Ferries’ new hybrid ferries. It is vital that we are supported by the government and electricity network operators to get the power we need to the port to make this happen.
Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet member for Climate Change and Environment at Portsmouth City Council added: “The port is not only making impressive progress on its sustainability ambitions, but I think it’s amazing that they are also working with their partners to help them make changes that benefit the whole city.
Ronald Keuning, technical manager at SMS Towage said: ”The realisation of this project has helped SMS Towage with their aspirations towards a more sustainable and greener future.”
Shore power is becoming critical to ports and the vessels they serve being a significant factor in ports’ overall carbon management strategy, highlighted a recent report.
Furthermore, in last May, the UK Chamber of Shipping urged government to mandate green shore power, with new targets for ports and ships to ensure mainstream adoption by 2030. In a previous interview to SAFETY4SEA, Anna Ziou, Policy Director – Safety and Environment at the UK Chamber of Shippin suggested that a national framework by the UK government would help accelerate action for shore power infrastructure and operation in the UK ports by 2030.
