Port launches Plugging in, a white paper on our shore power journey

We have launched a white paper with our industry partners to share our experiences of delivering the UK’s first multi-berth, multi-frequency, high voltage shore power system.

To achieve the government’s maritime decarbonisation ambitions for net zero by 2050, systems like our shore power facility need to be replicated in ports across the country, so we want to make sure lessons are learnt and insight shared on what it is like to complete this highly complex project.

This has been a five-year journey from securing extra power from the grid, laying cables while the port still operates, to where we are today (Wednesday, 23 September 2026) with three ships plugging in, two Brittany Ferries and Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea.

Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director said: “This is a huge step forward for the UK’s ports and maritime industries as we look to help the country reach net zero by 2050.

“Our white paper jointly authored by the British Ports Association (BPA) covers not only Portsmouth’s own shore power journey and what other ports can learn from us, but also calls to action on what is needed for scaling and rolling out the technology nationwide.

“We have worked with an impressive team of partners, Innovate UK, University of Portsmouth, Swanbarton, Barter4Things, MSE International, Balfour Beatty, ABB, AtkinsRealis, a host of contractors and subcontractors, not to mention the incredible in-house team who are now experts in their field of shore power.”

To find out more please read our white paper, Plugging in