New partnership plots £100m electrification of Irish Sea ports

Dockside charging for ships, cars, vans and HGVs will be rolled out across the ports, with Belfast-Heysham and Dublin-Birkenhead set to be the first routes to benefit. According to NatPower Marine, the project will create the UK’s first commercial electric ship (e-ship) charging network to support electric propulsion and ‘cold ironing’, where ships can access clean power while docked to avoid engine emissions.

In total, over 3,000 vessels cross the Irish Sea each year, emitting 230,000 tonnes of CO2, 20,000 tonnes of nitrous oxide (NOx), and 18,000 of sulphur oxide (SOx). Globally, shipping makes up around three per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions, with one-sixth of these produced whilst ships are berthed at port as they run auxiliary engines for power.

The new plans mark the first step in a new £3bn global charging network planned by NatPower Marine for 120 port locations worldwide by 2030. The company will develop the sites in partnership with port operators and act as the long-term operator of the global charging network. NatPower Marine believes this investment will allow ship owners and operators to invest in electric technologies, knowing the infrastructure is there to support them.