Portsmouth shore power goes live

The UK’s first multi-berth, multi-user, multi-frequency shore power installation is now operational following final testing with Brittany Ferries’ hybrid-electric vessels St Malo and Guillaume de Normandie, alongside cruise ships AIDAsol and Amera.

“This is a huge moment not only for us, but also for the UK ports industry as a whole, as we are now the country’s first port to offer multi-berth, multi-user shore power,” said Mike Sellers, director of Portsmouth International Port.

“The clean electricity will have a big benefit to air quality in the city, and it also helps to future-proof Portsmouth port, aligning us with international moves towards electrification for all of our customers, meaning we can continue to be profitable and provide for essential services in the city.”

Simultaneous charging

Backed by GB£19.8 million from the Department for Transport and GB£4.6 million from Portsmouth City Council, the system allows up to three ships to connect simultaneously, helping improve local air quality and supporting the port’s ambition to become the UK’s first zero-emissions port by 2050.

The shore power system enables ferries and cruise ships to switch off auxiliary engines while berthed by connecting directly to the electricity grid. Vessels equipped with batteries will also be able to enter and leave Portsmouth Harbour under electric power.

The port estimates the project will prevent around 20,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually from 2027, significantly reducing port emissions while improving air quality for residents and supporting wider port electrification across the UK maritime sector.

Although electricity costs remain a challenge, Portsmouth International Port, Portsmouth City Council and Brittany Ferries have reached an agreement enabling the operator’s shore-power-ready ferries to use the system.

The port said it will continue lobbying government to make electrification more commercially attractive as it works towards wider industry adoption.

Portsmouth International Port will host the GreenPort Congress 2026 from 7 to 9 October 2026.

For information and to book visit: https://www.portstrategy.com/greenport-congress/book or contact our team at sales@greenportcongress.com