Portsmouth International Port has officially launched the UK’s first multi-berth, multi-user shore power system, enabling ferries and cruise ships to shut down auxiliary engines while alongside. Backed by nearly £25 million in public investment, the landmark installation successfully completed trials with Brittany Ferries and major cruise liners. The project is projected to eliminate around 20,000 tonnes of CO2e annually by 2027, marking a pivotal leap toward the port’s zero-emissions target by 2050.
United Kingdom | July 24, 2026 – The UK maritime sector has crossed a critical threshold. Portsmouth International Port has transitioned from planning to execution, successfully executing its final testing phase with some of Europe’s most advanced vessels and charting a definitive course away from fossil-fueled auxiliary power in port.
During the rigorous commissioning phase, Brittany Ferries’ cutting-edge hybrid-electric ships, the St Malo and the Guillaume de Normandie, centerpiece assets of a €550 million fleet renewal program, successfully charged their battery systems and powered hotel loads directly from the shore. They were joined by cruise operators AIDA Cruises (with the AIDAsol) and Phoenix Reisen (with the Amera), validating the installation’s multi-frequency and multi-user capabilities.
Full commercial operations are slated for later this year, at which point the facility will routinely support three vessels simultaneously, dramatically altering the emissions footprint of one of the south coast’s busiest maritime hubs.
Engineering and Commercial Realities
Developing a multi-berth, multi-user facility capable of delivering varying voltage and frequency demands for diverse vessel types is no small engineering feat. Beyond the core construction funding, Portsmouth City Council deployed an extra £3 million specifically to secure the heavy-duty grid infrastructure required to sustain multi-ship hotel loads.
However, the rollout has not been without systemic hurdles. High national electricity prices continue to present a commercial obstacle for widespread shore power adoption across the UK.
“There are still challenges we’re facing around the cost of electricity, and we’re continuing to lobby the government hard to ensure they address these and make electrification a more attractive business proposition for us and for ports across the country,” noted Mike Sellers, Port Director at Portsmouth International Port.
Through intensive commercial collaboration between the port authority, Portsmouth City Council, and Brittany Ferries, stakeholders successfully struck a working tariff agreement to ensure the ferry operator’s shore-power-ready vessels could plug in immediately, proving that early adoption is viable even amid volatile energy markets.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Economy, Environment, and Community
The project officially designated as the Sea Change project, is the culmination of cross-sector cooperation involving academic, industrial, and municipal partners including MSE International, Swanbarton, Barter 4 Things, and the University of Portsmouth.
Portsmouth International Port Director, Mike Sellers, said “This is a huge moment not only for us, but also for the UK ports industry as a whole… The clean electricity will have a big benefit to air quality in the city, and it also helps to future-proof Portsmouth port, aligning us with international moves towards electrification.”
Brittany Ferries Chief Executive, Christophe Mathieu, said “As we mark half a century of serving Portsmouth, it’s crucial that we look forward as well as back, and shore power does exactly that. This isn’t just leading-edge technology, it’s a concrete step in our decarbonisation journey and, perhaps most importantly, a commitment to being a good neighbour.”
Portsmouth City Council Leader, Cllr Steve Pitt, said, “There are always risks when being early adopters of new technology, as the first mover in electrification, we have had a number of challenges to get to this point, but our priority with the shore power system has always been helping to improve air quality in the city.”
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Matherm, said “Backed by almost £20 million in Government funding, this is a major milestone in decarbonising UK shipping, placing Portsmouth firmly in the future as it celebrates 50 years in operation.”
Bunkering & Energy Outlook
As the global maritime fuels market diversifies into alternative power vectors, shore power (Cold Ironing) is increasingly shifting from an auxiliary green initiative to a primary compliance and operational necessity. For shipowners operating in Emission Control Areas (ECAs), the ability to cut port emissions to absolute zero while keeping schedules tight offers a vital operational edge.
With Portsmouth leading the charge as the UK’s first multi-berth pioneer, all eyes will be on the port’s Q4 performance data to measure grid stability, cost-efficiency, and the real-world reduction of particulate matter and greenhouse gases in the local airshed.
About Portsmouth International Port
Portsmouth International Port is one of the UK’s leading ports, playing a crucial role in handling millions of customers and vital cargo across the globe. Owned and operated by Portsmouth City Council, the port has evolved over the years, with plans for further growth. Starting in 1976 with just one route to France, Portsmouth is now known for being Britain’s best-connected port, offering more destinations than any other UK port.
The port has dedicated facilities for cruise customers and handles a wide range of cargo, including project cargo, dry bulk, and fresh produce such as pineapples, sweet potatoes, and bananas. Its strategic location, with fast road connections to London, makes it an ideal starting point for both passengers and cargo.
Portsmouth International Port’s economic impact is considerable, contributing £390 million to the national economy and £189 million to the local economy, while supporting over 5,500 jobs across the region.
Source: Portsmouth International Port