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Portsmouth to become the UK’s leading shore power port

Submitted by kgnadmin on

Portsmouth City Council and the Government plan to meet the 2030 target by supporting more ships with shore power supply alongside the quay in less than two years. Portsmouth international port will be able to support multiple cruise ships that have the capacity to plug-in when they’re berthed.

The additional capacity from SSEN will provide an initial 15MVA (Mega-Volt Amp), which begins the process of supplying electricity from land to berths where ships can dock.

Brittany Ferries will be able to operate two hybrid ships from Portsmouth in 2025, with the remaining fleet converting to land by 2027 after the installation is complete.

The port also expects at least 100 land-based cruises by 2026, and by 2030 there is an expectation from the industry trade body CLIA that all cruise ships will need to ensure they are power compliant

"Both the environmental and economic benefits for the city and the wider region are significant, this additional power unlocks the opportunity to secure new customers for the port, but most importantly it means a long-term deal from major customers as they have confidence that we can provide the power they need." Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said.

Providing this additional capacity from SSEN will cost around £3 million, with additional funding required to complete the entire shore supply process.