Portsmouth International Port in the UK announced that it will accept the offer from Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) to secure additional power supply, according to a press release.
This puts Portsmouth International Port one step closer to its goal of becoming the UK’s leading shore power port and becoming the most sustainable port as well.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “As a major UK port, and one that’s owned by the city’s residents, we are determined in our ambitious plans to provide the country’s most environmentally advanced facilities.
“Both the environmental and economic benefits for the city and wider region are significant, this extra power unlocks the opportunity to secure new customers to the port but most importantly it means a long-term agreement from major customers, because they have the confidence we can provide the necessary power.
In less than two years, the port will be able to support numerous ships that have the capacity to plug in when they’re alongside the berth. This helps reduce toxic emissions from running engines and also helps the government meet the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030.
“Thanks to cross-party support from both Portsmouth’s MPs and the council, we are committed to providing the funding necessary to secure extra capacity. This offer isn’t available for long and we have to give the go ahead now, or risk years not being able to secure additional capacity from the grid,” continued Vernon-Jackson.
“This is just the beginning of our plans and to fully realize our whole vision we hope to work with the government to secure additional funding to make this a reality.”
The additional capacity from SSEN will provide an initial 15MVA (Mega-Volt Amp) supply and installation is expected to be completed by 2025. Portsmouth International Port is also expecting a minimum of 100 shore power-ready cruise calls by 2026.
Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director said: “We have set our sustainable ambitions high and this is a major step forward to achieving our goal to become the UK’s first net carbon-neutral port.
“The industry expects ports to provide shore power facilities by 2030 and this means we’re ahead of target. In fact, we would become the most advanced UK port to provide a fully operational multi-berth, multi-user shore power system.”
