Expert speakers will explore host port’s extraordinary journey

This year’s Greenport Congress will benefit enormously from the expert contributions provided by the team that successfully delivered the shore power installation at Portsmouth International Port, the host of the annual event.

While the 21^st edition of Greenport Congress will explore the full range of environmental challenges and opportunities facing ports, Portsmouth’s historic electrification journey will come fully into focus at a Session on the afternoon of the opening day, 7 October.

Among those contributing is civil engineer Peter Walbridge, Project Manager with AtkinsRéalis who had a central role in delivering Portsmouth’s Sea Change shore power initiative.

Speaking ahead of the October conference Walbridge observed that with varied histories and infrastructure every port was different and there was “no single template for delivering shore power”.

Walbridge continued: “What went particularly well at Portsmouth was the collaborative approach. From the start there was a genuine willingness from all parties to work together and solve problems collectively. That’s vital on projects like this, where there are multiple stakeholders, interfaces and technical considerations to manage.

“There was also a clear vision. Portsmouth International Port have ambitious decarbonisation targets, and that provided a strong sense of purpose throughout the project. Decisions could be made with a clear understanding of the long-term objective.”

And he added: “If there’s one lesson I’d highlight, it’s that projects of this nature are often as much about coordination as they are about engineering. Bringing together port operations, vessel operators, DNOs, equipment suppliers and delivery teams takes time. The earlier those conversations start, the smoother the project tends to run.”

Celebrating the expectation that Sea Change will save around 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year and deliver a significant improvement to air quality in the area, Walbridge said that for AtkinsRéalis one of the most valuable outcomes was also the relationships built with both PIP and a range of specialist partners.

These include ABB, whose Global Product Manager Luca Imperiali will contribute to the Session alongside Stephen Watkyns, Portsmouth International Port’s Technical Director, and Andrew Connolly, Project Director for the National Grid’s Static Wound Plant Portfolio Team, all key players in Portsmouth’s electrification journey.

Immediately after the Session, all Greenport Congress 2026 delegates can join an exclusive tour of Portsmouth International Port’s facilities, including a close-up examination of their OPS infrastructure.

The conference continues on Thursday 8 October, with the Congress culminating on Friday 9 October with delegates invited to take part in an exclusive technical visit to BMT’s advanced Digital Innovation and Simulation Centre (DISC) facility.

Book now for 20% off the full delegate rate with GPCEARLY or contact the team at sales@greenportcongress.com