UK Power Networks Services will supply new electrical technology needed at the Port of Felixstowe, taking the port a step closer to its net-zero target.
The new equipment will allow the UK’s largest port to move away from its reliance on red diesel, meet its net-zero aspirations, reduce emissions, and increase the resilience of the its electricity network.
This marks the energy infrastructure company’s first major project in the ports industry and one of its largest projects in the last five years.
The three-year decarbonisation project includes upgrading the existing 11,000-volt electricity network and supplying 17 new electric gantry cranes to support green container handling operations.
The initiative will also contribute to improving air quality around the port area as it will eliminate diesel emissions from cranes and vehicles.
“We are excited to be working with the Port of Felixstowe as part of their journey to further decarbonise the port through electrification of its operations,” said Steven Muscat, Head of Engineering at UK Power Networks Services.
“The new electrical infrastructure and the rollout of electric cranes and tractor units will make a significant step in contributing to the port’s sustainability targets.”
In recent months, the Port of Felixstowe became the largest UK port to deploy 5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The port along with consortium members, Three UK, Blue Mesh Solutions and the University of Cambridge was successful in an application for grant funding under the 5G Testbeds and Trials programme run by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The project aims to prove 5G’s capabilities in a busy port environment.
