Portsmouth International Port has commissioned the UK’s first multi-berth, multi-user, multi-frequency shore power system, enabling ferries and cruise ships to switch off their engines while alongside.
During the final testing phase, Brittany Ferries’ hybrid-electric ST MALO and GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE became the first ferries to connect to the system. Cruise ships AIDAsol and AMERA also participated in the commissioning process.
The £24.4 million project, funded by £19.8 million from the UK Department for Transport and £4.6 million from Portsmouth City Council, will eventually allow up to three vessels to connect simultaneously. The port expects this capability to become operational later this year.
From 2027, the shore power installation is expected to reduce emissions by around 20,000 tonnes of CO₂e, supporting Portsmouth’s ambition to become the UK’s first zero-emission port by 2050.
Despite the milestone, Portsmouth International Port says electricity costs remain a challenge and is calling on the UK Government to make shore power more economically attractive for ports and shipping companies.
Pictured from left to right: Mike Sellers, Director of Portsmouth International Port; Christophe Mathieu, Chief Executive at Brittany Ferries; and Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council. Image credit: Portsmouth International Port
