Shore power uptake solutions

The British Ports Association’s (BPA) research finds that primary barriers to shore power in UK ports include high capital costs, both within the port and associated with energy network upgrades; high electricity prices that make it difficult to compete with relatively cheap marine fuel; and a lack of consistent demand from shipping.

Mark Simmonds, head of policy at the BPA, said: “Shore power is likely to play a role in reducing emissions from ships in ports in the future, but there are significant barriers to introducing it in UK ports. Government investment in green maritime to mirror investment in green vehicles is critical to helping the industry to continue to lower emissions.

“We believe that a green maritime fund is needed to support decarbonisation in the ports and shipping sectors, but this alone will not overcome the challenges. We want to have a discussion about how a zero emission standard might help lower shipping emissions and bring greater certainty for ports and investors in low emission technology and infrastructure.”

In the ‘Reducing Emissions From Shipping In Ports: Examining The Barriers To Shore Power’ report, the BPA said its proposed solutions to these barriers include a Green Maritime Fund to support emissions reductions projects, including shore power; the removal of taxes on electricity from shoreside power in line with that available for marine fuel; and a goal-based approach to increasing demand, such as a zero emission berth standard.

The report stated that no shore power project anywhere in the world has been undertaken without public support and there are currently no large scale shore power connections in UK ports.

Research undertaken by Arkevista for the BPA found that whilst the number of vessels in the world fleet of 96,000 vessels with shore power is unclear, research suggests it is currently around 1500, with 809 of those container ships. Only 1.5% of ships currently on the order book will be ready to connect.