With the ambition of attaining net-zero status by 2030, and of becoming the UK’s first zero-emission port by 2050, Portsmouth has implemented work on a shore-to-ship power system.

Dubbed the Sea Change project, the scheme will allow ferries and cruise vessels to draw ‘green’ electricity from the grid when alongside in the Portsmouth International Port complex, obviating the need to run shipboard generators with the attendant atmospheric pollution. The investment will allow cold-ironing at the three busiest berths.

While long-term in its strategic intent, the initiative is immediately apposite to the impending introduction of new LNG/electric hybrid ro-pax vessels by major customer Brittany Ferries, which maintains a network of services to France and Spain out of Portsmouth. The French company strengthened its 48-year business association with the council-owned, south coast port last month by signing a further 20-year contractual commitment to Portsmouth.