To advance the mission of reducing global shipping emissions, NatPower Marine and Peel Ports Group are collaborating to establish the first “green shipping corridors” between Ireland and the UK.
Through this project, NatPower Marine will develop the UK’s first commercial electric ship (e-ship) charging network to support electric propulsion and cold ironing – the process of accessing clean power during docking to avoid engine pollution while at the port.
“With marine trade set to triple by 2050, we urgently need to build the global network of clean energy charging infrastructure the industry desperately needs. Our partnership with Peel Ports Group is the first step in this strategic approach to accelerate the adoption of clean energy in shipping and help cargo owners reach net zero,” said Stefano Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower Marine.
The network will establish a dedicated e-ship charging infrastructure across all eight UK and Irish ports operated by Peel Ports Group and include the installation of EV chargers for commercial EVs passing through the ports.
The first Irish Sea routes will include Belfast-Heysham and Dublin-Birkenhead, supporting Peel Port Group’s goal for Heysham Port in Lancashire to become a net zero port. To date, Heysham Port has reduced the emissions of its landside plant, equipment, and vehicles by nearly 90%.
“NatPower Marine is investing in deploying the largest global network of charging points to help solve the ‘chicken and egg conundrum’ facing this industry: shipping lines cannot electrify their vessels if port charging infrastructure is not available, and ports are unable to raise capital for charging infrastructure without certainty of demand from shipping lines,” added Sommadossi.
In total, this global charging network project represents an investment of more than $3.2 billion and will include 120 port locations worldwide by 2030. NatPower Marine will develop the sites in partnership with port operators and act as the long-term operator of the global charging network.
