Wanted: A new environmental lead for Portsmouth International Port

With its goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 and to become the UK’s first zero-emissions port by 2050, Portsmouth International Port is looking for a new environmental lead to take forward its range of bold and exciting plans. 

The port is leading the way in its environmental ambitions, with a brand new terminal extension – which generates more energy than it uses – already in place, alongside a cutting-edge solar and battery system which provides 35% of the site’s electricity, meaning it has been able to spend time operating completely off the electricity grid. 

A new role, the environmental lead officer will drive forward Portsmouth International Port’s ambitions to be the most sustainable port in the UK, taking charge of the port’s environmental strategy. 

Key to this strategy will be Sea Change, a high-profile UK government-funded shore power system that will by the first of its kind in the country, allowing multiple ships to charge their batteries across multiple berths and at multiple frequencies at the same time. 

Launching in spring 2025, Sea Change will enable the port’s customers, including Brittany Ferries and cruise lines, to reduce their carbon footprint by switching off their engines to operate on battery power when entering and leaving Portsmouth Harbour. This will save an estimated 20,000 tonnes of CO2e per year from 2027, improving air quality for the people of Portsmouth. 

Stephen Watkyns, Portsmouth International Port’s technical director, said: “We’re fiercely ambitious with our environmental targets, as demonstrated by what we’ve already achieved and what we have in the pipeline, and we’re excited for what the future holds at the port. 

“Alongside our hard environmental targets, we also want to be an exemplar and think we can revolutionise the country’s maritime industry through our work to be carbon neutral and emissions-free; the Sea Change project will spearhead these efforts. 

“As such, we need an environmental lead who matches our drive and desire to be pioneers in maritime sustainability.” 

Applications close on Sunday 4 August. See Portsmouth City Council website for more details and to apply.  

For details on its wide-ranging sustainability projects, including Sea Change, see Portsmouth International Port website.