Robert Courts, the UK government's under-secretary of state at the department for transport (DfT) who oversees aviation, maritime and security will use today's annual UK Chamber of Shipping dinner to request the information on shore power. He will also use the gathering as a platform to explain how the development of green technologies can revive the UK’s shipbuilding industry, bringing private investment, creating jobs and revitalising coastal communities.
Shore power in the UK
The Port of Southampton already has shore power installed at its £55m Horizon cruise terminal with work underway for its installation at the new Mayflower terminal. The ‘plug in’ shore power is estimated to result in an 863kg reduction in CO2 emissions from the port each year plus 10.5kg less NOx emissions per vessel annually.
Portsmouth International Port outlined its plans to introduce the technology last October following approval from the local council. The port's director Mike Sellers said he is looking to have shore power ‘up and running by the end of 2022 for smaller cruise ships,’ while also ‘looking at long-term plans to roll out this capability to our other berths.’
Kirkwall port in Orkney, Scotland has shore power limited to its smallest berth which currently handles ferries, exclusively, while the ports of Portland, Hull and Liverpool are either conducting or planning feasibility studies on the use of shore power.
‘Outdated’ practices and net zero
‘Climate change is one of the biggest challenges this generation faces and we will continue to lead international efforts to decarbonise the maritime sector,’ said Courts. ‘Shore power will end the outdated practice of ships keeping their engines running while anchored in port, reducing the poisonous fumes entering the air and ensuring we meet our net zero 2050 goals.’
A step forward
The revelation was met with enthusiasm by Mark Simmonds, director of policy & external affairs, British Ports Association (BPA) who commented, ‘The ports industry has a key role to play in supporting the decarbonisation of shipping, and shore power will be an important part of that.
‘This call for evidence is a step forward and will help us all better understand the current barriers to delivering more shore power to ships. We look forward to sharing the sector’s experiences so far and exploring how industry and government can work together to lower emissions in ports.’
Facing significant challenges
Tim Morris, CEO, UK Major Ports Group said achieving net zero means facing ‘significant’ challenges, noting, ‘Shore power has the potential to play a positive part in the future of zero emission maritime, although it is an area that currently faces some significant challenges.’
He endorsed the call for evidence and welcomed joint efforts to support the wider deployment of shore power ‘where it is an appropriate solution.’
Last year, the UK government launched its Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, pledging £23m to fund more than 55 decarbonisation projects.
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