ABB has won an order with Portsmouth International Port to supply a shore connection solution for visiting ferries and cruise ships.
Part of the UK port’s Sea Change project to design, build and operate a shore power system across its three busiest berths, the installation will serve two ferry berths – each with five connection points – and an additional berth shared by ferries and cruise ships.
The order was signed in January 2024, with the system due for installation in the fourth quarter of 2024 and expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025.
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ABB’s shore connection reportedly allows vessels to turn off their engines while at berth, avoiding annual CO2 emissions for the vessels calling at the Portsmouth International Port by an estimated 20,000 metric tonnes from 2027. This will improve air quality in the harbour area while helping the port to realise its long-term environmental ambitions.
ABB’s full scope of supply for the shore connection system comprises a 16-MVA ACS6080 drive with a shunt filter, MV switchgear, power-factor compensation, transformers, e-houses, cable management systems, and automation.
In addition, ABB will provide installation, cabling, and commissioning services, while Portsmouth International Port will also benefit from a three-year maintenance agreement.
As part of the project, the port’s biggest customer, Brittany Ferries, will be introducing two new LNG-electric hybrid ferries from 2025 which will be the largest vessels of this type in the world.
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Alongside Portsmouth International Port and Brittany Ferries, ABB will join a consortium of academics, marine specialists and some of the UK’s most exciting technology SMEs that have been brought together to deliver the project.
The University of Portsmouth, MSE International, B4T, IOTICS, and Swanbarton will all contribute technologies and expertise that will support Sea Change, making this a scalable solution that can be used by ports in the UK and abroad, according to ABB.
“As the UK’s largest and best-connected municipal port, we are committed to meeting the highest environmental standards and have set ourselves the target of reaching net-zero by 2030 and becoming the country’s first zero-emissions port by 2050,” said Stephen Watkyns, Technical Director at Portsmouth International Port.
“ABB’s shore connection solution will help support these ambitions. Crucially, for the people of Portsmouth, it will have a hugely positive impact on air quality in the port and surrounding areas.”
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“Through its Sea Change project and ambitious emissions-reduction targets, Portsmouth International Port is taking a proactive approach to environmental sustainability,” said Marcus Martelin, Head of Decarbonization Services, ABB Marine & Ports.
“To be selected as technology provider for this UK Government-funded project is a privilege and reflects our reputation as a trusted provider of shore connection capabilities for cleaner port operations.”
Sea Change is part of the Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, which was announced in February 2023, funded by the UK Government, and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
As part of ZEVI, the Department for Transport allocated over £80 million ($101 million) to 10 flagship projects supported by 52 organisations from across the UK to deliver real-world demonstration R&D projects in clean maritime solutions. Projects will take place in multiple locations from the Orkney Isles to the southwest of England.
