According to the port operator, the Sea Change project will allow multiple ships to plug into a system that provides several electrical frequencies simultaneously.
Up to three ships will be able to plug in at once when the system goes live from spring 2025, allowing them to operate under battery power when entering and exiting Portsmouth harbour.
Works began with the digging of a trench to lay a 600m, 33kV cable underneath the port’s car lanes to connect the system to the electricity supply. The system will utilise an extra 15MVA capacity secured by the port from Scottish and Southern Energy in 2023, which is generated from renewable sources.
The project has been funded with £19.8m from the Department for Transport and £4.6m from Portsmouth City Council, plus a further £3m from the council to secure the power necessary for the system.
Project partner Brittany Ferries has invested €550m to renew five vessels in its fleet, including two new Portsmouth-based LNG-electric hybrid ferries, and will be the main customer using the shore power system.
In a statement, Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries, said: “An integrated approach to sustainability is essential if shipping is to achieve net zero by 2050. Ship owners, fuel companies, port partners and government bodies all have a role to play, and this is why the Sea Change project is so important. It allows the potential of our plug-in hybrid ships to be realised and that benefits everyone.”
Alongside the digging of the trench and laying of the cable, complex engineering works will also take place on the three berths where shore power will be provided, with installation of a flexible cable management system that will enable ships of different tonnage to plug in.
As well as improving air quality for Portsmouth residents, Sea Change is projected to help avoid emissions of around 20,000 tonnes of CO2e from 2027.
AtkinsRéalis has been a partner throughout the project, leading the civil and structural design; assisting in managing procurement and supplier collaboration; and advising on planning permissions and environmental assessments.
Peter Walbridge, AtkinsRéalis UK & Ireland project manager, said: “Integrating shore power systems at large ports like Portsmouth International Port is difficult due to their complex technical requirements, but this groundbreaking milestone shows what can be achieved with advanced digital modelling and close collaboration.
“Leveraging our multidisciplinary expertise and industry relationships, we helped the port navigate its legacy infrastructure and coordinate diverse stakeholders to keep this ambitious project on track.”
Portsmouth International Port (PIP) serves cross channel ferries, cruise and freight ships across its five berths. PIP is aiming to be Net Zero by 2030 and the UK’s first zero emission port by 2050.
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