Portsmouth International Port – the host for October’s GreenPort Congress 2026 – is celebrating two landmark moments on its path to zero-emissions.
Portsmouth International Port – the host for October’s GreenPort Congress 2026 – is celebrating two landmark moments on its path to zero-emissions.
The first came when Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady successfully plugged into the port’s Sea Change shore power system, marking the first commercial connection of a cruise ship in the UK.
A second came later the same day, 5 August, when Brittany Ferries’ Guillaume de Normandie also came alongside – the first time two vessels have used Portsmouth International Port’s multi-berth shore power system at the same time.
Both were memorable moments for the port, which said it was also “a substantial moment for the UK’s maritime industry”.
The Sea Change shore power system, aka cold ironing, is designed to support both cruise ships and ferries, allowing berthed vessels to shut down their auxiliary engines and draw electricity from the local grid to meet their hotel load requirements.
Made possible by funding from the UK’s Innovate UK agency and the Department for Transport (DfT), Sea Change will cut exhaust emissions including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and improve air quality around the port and its local communities.
Portsmouth International Port’s remarkable journey to this point will be the focus of a full Session on the first day of GreenPort Congress, 7-9 October, when delegates can hear first hand about the challenges, including meeting IEC standards, and the ultimate success of the net zero project.
Book now for 20% off the full delegate rate with GPCEARLY or contact the team at sales@greenportcongress.com
