ABB has been selected as the main contractor for Portsmouth International Port's Sea Change project, which aims to implement a shore power system across the port's 3 busiest berths.
Funded by the UK Government through the 'ZEVI' competition and delivered in collaboration with Innovate UK, the project seeks to design, construct, and operate shore power infrastructure to enable visiting ferries and cruise ships to connect to the electrical grid while in port. This initiative aligns with the port's goal of achieving zero emissions by 2030, making it the first zero-emissions port in the UK.
The shore connection will be installed at two ferry berths, each equipped with 5 connection points, as well as an additional berth utilized by both ferries and cruise ships. Anticipated for installation in the 4th quarter of 2024 and operational by the second quarter of 2025, the system aims to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 20,000 metric tons from 2027, thereby significantly improving air quality within the harbor area and supporting the port's environmental objectives.
Stephen Watkyns, Technical Director at Portsmouth International Port, emphasized the port's commitment to environmental standards and its ambitious targets for achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. He highlighted ABB's shore connection solution as a key element in supporting these aspirations and noted its positive impact on air quality in the port and surrounding regions.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member responsible for the port at Portsmouth City Council, lauded the appointment of ABB as a significant milestone for the Sea Change project. He emphasized the project's importance in improving air quality across the city by reducing emissions and ensuring Portsmouth International Port remains at the forefront of environmental innovation. He expressed gratitude to the council's officers for their efforts in securing the contract and facilitating the implementation of shore power infrastructure, which will be ready for the arrival of Brittany Ferries' hybrid ships in 2025.