ABB has secured a substantial contract with Portsmouth International Port to implement a cutting-edge shore power solution aimed at reducing emissions from visiting ferries and cruise ships. This initiative is part of the port’s ambitious Sea Change project, which aims to implement shore to ship power systems across its three busiest berths.
The project, scheduled for installation in the fourth quarter of 2024 and operational by the second quarter of 2025, will cater to two ferry berths and an additional berth shared by ferries and cruise ships. ABB’s shore connection technology will enable vessels to switch off their engines while at berth, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions estimated at 20,000 metric tons annually by 2027. This move is poised to substantially enhance air quality in the harbor area and aligns with Portsmouth International Port’s environmental objectives of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 and becoming the UK’s first zero-emissions port by 2050.
Stephen Watkyns, Technical Director at Portsmouth International Port, emphasized the port’s commitment to environmental sustainability and lauded ABB’s shore connection solution for its positive impact on air quality in the port and surrounding areas.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member responsible for the port at Portsmouth City Council, hailed the appointment of ABB as a significant milestone in the Sea Change project. He underscored the project’s role in reducing emissions and improving air quality across the city, positioning Portsmouth International Port as a leader in environmental innovation.
ABB’s scope of supply for the shore connection system includes a 16-MVA ACS6080 drive with shunt filter, MV switchgear, power-factor compensation, transformers, e-houses, cable management systems, and automation. The company will also provide installation, cabling, and commissioning services, along with a three-year maintenance agreement for Portsmouth International Port.
Marcus Martelin, Head of Decarbonization Services at ABB Marine & Ports, expressed pride in being selected as the technology provider for this government-funded project, highlighting ABB’s reputation as a trusted provider of shore connection capabilities for cleaner port operations.
Additionally, as part of the project, Brittany Ferries, the port’s largest customer, will introduce two new LNG-electric hybrid ferries from 2025, further contributing to emissions reduction efforts. A consortium of academics, marine specialists, and technology SMEs will collaborate with Portsmouth International Port and Brittany Ferries to deliver the project, making it an attractive and scalable solution for ports in the UK and abroad.
AtkinsRéalis, a professional services and project management specialist, is providing technical consultancy and completing the design for the Shore Power scheme. Gary Norwood, AtkinsRéalis Project Director, highlighted their focus on developing a carbon-neutral solution to support the port’s ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.
The Sea Change project is part of the Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, funded by the UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. This initiative is part of the broader UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE), which aims to accelerate the adoption of clean maritime technologies and achieve a net-zero emissions transition in the maritime sector.