NatPower Marine has welcomed the UK Government's response to the Net Zero Ports call for evidence, as well as its recognition of the central role ports will play in maritime decarbonisation.

The findings offer a much clearer picture of how energy demand at ports is changing. Shore power, vessel charging, electric port equipment and cleaner fuels will all require new infrastructure and better coordination among ports, shipping operators, electricity networks and investors. Shore power in particular — allowing vessels to switch off auxiliary engines while berthed and draw electricity from the grid — is widely viewed across the maritime sector as one of the most direct ways to cut port-side emissions and local air pollution, which is why governments in Europe and North America have increasingly incentivised its rollout.

NatPower Marine particularly welcomes the Government's commitment to champion ports' energy needs through strategic energy planning and grid connection reform, noting that the focus on better demand forecasting and closer collaboration with industry provides a positive foundation for delivery. Grid connection reform has been a recurring concern for UK port electrification, as long waits for connections and network reinforcement costs have often slowed infrastructure projects of this kind.

Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, Founder, Group Chief Strategy Officer and UK CEO of NatPower Marine, said: "The Government's response is an important step forward. It gives us a clearer view of what ports need and where industry can help.

"NatPower Marine is ready to bring investment and energy expertise to the table. We can help ports develop shore power and vessel-charging infrastructure without requiring them to bear the full cost and risk.

"Every port is different. Some will need a larger grid connection. For others, the answer may include battery storage, local renewable generation, a private wire or smarter management of electricity demand. The solution has to reflect how each port operates and which vessels use it.

"The key is to connect the infrastructure with real demand from shipping operators. If that can be done on specific routes, private capital can help turn plans into working projects.

"We would welcome the opportunity to work with the Government, ports and shipping operators to identify where early projects can be delivered and demonstrate what is possible."

NatPower Marine believes the next stage could focus on a small number of ports and shipping routes where there is committed customer demand and a realistic route to securing clean power. This would allow the Government and industry to test practical delivery models, build confidence among shipping operators and demonstrate how green maritime corridors can work in practice — an approach that mirrors the green corridor initiatives already being developed internationally, in which specific routes are targeted for early decarbonisation projects. It would also help ensure that investment is directed towards projects with a clear route to operation.

NatPower Marine is developing an independent international network of ship-charging facilities for electric propulsion and shore power, bringing together project investment, clean energy supply, infrastructure development and long-term operation.

The company says it looks forward to working with the Government and the wider maritime sector to turn the evidence gathered through the call for evidence into practical projects at UK ports.

Source: NatPower Marine via Hellenic Shipping News