NatPower backs UK ports decarbonisation

NatPower Marine has welcomed the UK Government’s response to its Net Zero Ports call for evidence, saying it provides greater clarity on the role ports will play in the decarbonisation of maritime transport.

The company said the findings offered a clearer picture of changing energy demand at ports, with shore power, vessel charging, electric port equipment and cleaner fuels expected to require significant new infrastructure.

NatPower Marine also welcomed commitments to champion ports’ energy requirements through strategic energy planning and reforms to grid connections. The company said improved demand forecasting and closer collaboration between ports, shipping operators, electricity networks and investors would be essential to delivering projects.

Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, founder, group chief strategy officer and UK chief executive of NatPower Marine, said the government’s response represented ‘an important step forward’. “It gives us a clearer view of what ports need and where industry can help,” he said.

Sommadossi said NatPower Marine was ready to provide investment and energy expertise, potentially allowing ports to develop shore power and vessel-charging infrastructure without carrying the full cost and risk themselves.

He stressed that solutions would need to reflect the individual requirements of each port.

“Every port is different,” he said, adding that options could include larger grid connections, battery storage, local renewable generation, private wires or smarter electricity management.

The company said infrastructure investment should be linked to firm demand from shipping operators. It believes an initial focus on a small number of ports and shipping routes could demonstrate how green maritime corridors can operate in practice.

“This would allow the government and industry to test practical delivery models,” Sommadossi said.

NatPower Marine is developing an independent international network of ship-charging facilities for electric propulsion and shore power, combining investment, clean energy supply, infrastructure development and long-term operation.

The company said it now looked forward to working with the government, ports and shipping operators to turn evidence gathered through the consultation into practical projects.