28 February 2024
ABB is appointed primary contractor as part of Portsmouth International Port’s Sea Change project. The Sea Change project will design, build and operate a shore power project across the port’s three busiest berths. It is funded by UK Government through the ‘ZEVI’ competition, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK
The shore connection allows visiting ferries and cruise ships to avoid emissions by connecting to the shoreside electrical grid while in port, supporting the port’s aim to be the first in the UK to be zero emissions by 2030.
The installation will serve two ferry berths – each with five connection points – and an additional berth shared by ferries and cruise ships. The system is due for installation in the fourth quarter of 2024 and expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025.
The shore connection allows vessels to turn off their engines while at berth, avoiding annual carbon dioxide emissions of an estimated 20,000 metric tons from 2027. This will significantly improve air quality in the harbour area while helping the port to realize its long-term environmental ambition.
Stephen Watkyns, Technical Director at Portsmouth International Port said: ”As the UK’s largest and best-connected municipal port, we are committed to meeting the highest environmental standards and have set ourselves the target of reaching net-zero by 2030 and becoming the country’s first zero-emissions port by 2050. ABB’s shore connection solution will help support these ambitions. Crucially, for the people of Portsmouth, it will have a hugely positive impact on air quality in the port and surrounding areas.”
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the port at Portsmouth City Council said: “The appointment of ABB as the primary contractor on the ground-breaking Sea Change shore power project marks another significant milestone for this scheme. This project will support the council’s priority of improving air quality across the city by slashing emissions, and will ensure Portsmouth International Port continues to be a trailblazer in the field of environmental innovation.
“I’d like to thank officers from across the council who have worked hard to get this contract over the line so that work can begin, ensuring that shore power will be available ready for the arrival of Brittany Ferries’ hybrid ships in 2025”.