Portsmouth Port has won a grant of £19.8 million to operate a shore power system at three berths.

The government funding will facilitate the start of work under the Sea Change project, which consists of the port, Brittany Ferries, the University of Portsmouth, and others.

Once complete in April 2025, the system will allow cruise ships to turn off their engines when in the port and ‘plug-in’ and use green electricity to run on-board systems.

According to a statement, it is estimated that the system will save more than 20,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum from 2027, the equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of around 2,500 UK households.

‘Huge step forward’ for Portsmouth Port

Portsmouth Port technical director Stephen Watkyns said: “Once delivered, this revolutionary multi-user, multi-berth shore power facility will be a UK first.

“It means we’ll be able to provide shore power for ships on three of our berths, including providing power for the hybrid Brittany Ferries ships coming in 2025.

“I’d like to thank the team at the port and our partners in the Sea Change consortium for all their hard work getting this bid approved.

“This project is another huge step forward for our ambitions to reach net carbon neutral by 2030 and eliminate emissions by 2050.”

Portsmouth City Council cabinet member for climate change and greening councillor Kimberly Barrett added: “I’m excited that the port can now forge ahead with this game-changing initiative that will slash carbon emissions and bring real benefits to local communities in Portsmouth.

“This project reaffirms the city’s commitment to reach net carbon neutral by 2030.”

Earlier this year, the port appointed Ian Diaper as deputy director.