Portsmouth International Port has been awarded £19.8 million from the Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure competition (ZEVI), funded by UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
The award will enable the port to embark on a ground-breaking decarbonisation initiative in collaboration with Brittany Ferries, the University of Portsmouth, MSE International, B4T, IOTICS, and Swanbarton.
The SEA CHANGE project aims to design, install, and manage a’shore power’ system across three of Portsmouth International Port’s busiest berths.
This allows visiting ferry or cruise ships to switch off their engines while in port since they will be able to ‘plug-in’ and utilise green electricity to power their onboard systems.
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This project is part of the ZEVI competition, which was announced in February 2023, funded by the UK government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
SEA CHANGE intends to unlock the full potential of Brittany Ferries’ two new LNG-electric hybrid ships, which will begin sailing from Portsmouth in spring 2025 and will be shore-power ready.
The installation of shore electricity will minimise hazardous pollutants and enhance air quality in the port area. The technology is expected to save more than 20,000 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) per year beginning in 2027.
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Councillor Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City at Portsmouth City Council said: “I’m excited that the port can now forge ahead with this game-changing initiative that will slash carbon emissions and bring real benefits to local communities in Portsmouth. This project reaffirms the city’s commitment to reach net carbon neutral by 2030.”
Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the port at Portsmouth City Council said: “Improving air quality is one of the most pressing issues facing Portsmouth. Across the council we’re undertaking a huge range of projects to combat harmful emissions, which includes already approving a massive upgrade of the electricity supply to the port so this project can happen.”
In August 2023, Portsmouth International Port announced the installation of the cutting-edge solar and battery system.
