Delegates attending the GreenPort Congress technical tour were given exclusive access to Portsmouth International Port (PIP), gaining first-hand insight into how one of the UK’s most connected ports is investing in decarbonisation, operational efficiency and future growth.
As the UK’s largest municipal port, Portsmouth International Port plays a critical role in passenger, freight and cruise connectivity. During the tour, delegates learned how the port supports millions of passenger journeys every year, including services to France, Spain, the Isle of Wight, Gosport and the Channel Islands, while also acting as a vital gateway for goods moving between the UK and Northern Europe.
A key focus of the visit was the port’s ambitious sustainability programme. Delegates were shown the recently completed £24 million shore power installation, one of the most advanced systems of its kind in Europe. The multi-berth, multi-frequency solution is capable of supplying electricity to both ferry and cruise vessels alongside, significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality by allowing ships to switch off their engines while in port.
The tour provided a closer look at the infrastructure supporting these operations, including the cable management systems installed across ferry and cruise berths and the port’s plans to further expand electrification through battery energy storage solutions and future crane electrification projects.
Delegates also visited the port’s operational areas, where they explored the diverse range of cargo handled through the Portico terminal. From containers and breakbulk cargo to aggregates, project cargo and palletised freight, the terminal demonstrated the breadth of activity taking place within the port. Visitors heard how the terminal’s mobile harbour cranes can undertake tandem lifts of up to 250 tonnes, enabling the efficient handling of heavy and oversized cargoes.
Infrastructure investment was another major theme of the tour. Delegates were shown the progress of a significant terminal upgrade project that is expanding container yard capacity and strengthening operational capabilities. Supported through Solent Freeport investment, the development reflects the port’s commitment to accommodating future growth while improving efficiency across its cargo operations.
The visit also highlighted the scale of Portsmouth International Port’s contribution to the regional and national economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating substantial economic value across the UK. For delegates, the tour offered an opportunity to see how a busy ferry, cruise and commercial port is balancing commercial growth with environmental responsibility.
From shore power and electrification projects to cargo handling operations and future infrastructure developments, the tour provided a practical demonstration of how Portsmouth International Port is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable port operations. For many delegates, it was a valuable opportunity to see GreenPort Congress themes being put into practice on the quayside.
