Portsmouth shore power system begins full operation after testing
Key Takeaways
- •Portsmouth International Port's shore power system is the UK's first capable of simultaneously serving multiple berths, multiple users, and both 50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical frequencies.
- •Compatible ferries and cruise ships can connect at three of the port's five berths, enabling them to switch off auxiliary diesel engines and reduce emissions while docked.
- •The project received approximately $32 million in combined funding, with around $26 million from the UK Department for Transport and roughly $6 million from Portsmouth City Council.
- •Brittany Ferries' St Malo and Guillaume de Normandie, AIDA Cruises' AIDAsol, and Phoenix Reisen's Amera all successfully connected to the system during the testing and commissioning phase.
- •EU regulations including FuelEU Maritime and the revised Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation will mandate shore power at key ports for certain vessels beginning in 2030.
Portsmouth shore power system begins full operation after testing
Port News, 30/07/2026
The UK’s Portsmouth International Port has announced that its shore power system is now fully operational after the successful completion of final testing.
Shore power-capable ferries and cruise ships can now connect to the system and draw electricity at three of the port’s five berths, allowing vessels to switch off their auxiliary diesel engines while at berth and reduce local air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the port authority, it is the UK’s first shore power system capable of serving multiple berths, multiple users and multiple electrical frequencies — a technical requirement because vessels from different regions operate on different electrical standards, typically 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
During the testing phase, Brittany Ferries’ St Malo and Guillaume de Normandie connected to the system. AIDA Cruises’ AIDAsol became the first cruise ship to plug in during the commissioning process, followed by Phoenix Reisen’s Amera.
The system is expected to reach full operational capability later this year, when it will be able to supply shore power to three ships simultaneously. Shore power deployment at ports has been gaining momentum in Europe, driven by regulatory pressure to cut maritime emissions; the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation and revised Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation require shore power at key ports for certain vessels beginning in 2030.
The project received £19.8 million, or around $26 million, in funding from the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT), along with £4.6 million, or approximately $6 million, from Portsmouth City Council.
Source: ENGINE,