Green shipping corridors created

NatPower Marine and port operator Peel Ports Group have collaborated on plans to establish the first “green shipping corridors” between Ireland and the UK.

The proposed project would see NatPower Marine develop one of the UK’s first commercial electric ship charging networks to support electric propulsion and cold ironing, the process of accessing clean power while docked.

The network, which would require an estimated £100m investment from NatPower Marine, would see this dedicated e-ship charging infrastructure delivered across all eight UK and Irish ports operated by Peel Ports Group.

The master plan would also include electric car, van and HGV chargers installed for commercial electric vehicles passing through the ports. 

The first Irish Sea routes identified in the proposals include Belfast-Heysham and Dublin-Birkenhead. This would support Peel Port Group’s ambitions for Heysham Port in Lancashire to become the UK’s first ‘net zero port’.

The port has already slashed the emissions of its landside plant, equipment and vehicles by up to 90%. 

The plans mark the first step in a new £3 billion global charging network, planned by NatPower Marine for 120 port locations worldwide by 2030.

Stefano Sommadossi, CEO at NatPower Marine, said: 

“NatPower Marine is investing to deploy 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.

“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 to reach net-zero.” 

Claudio Veritiero, CEO at Peel Ports Group, said: 

“The proposals presented as part of this partnership are potentially game-changing, and fully support our ambitions to become a net-zero port operator by 2040. 

“We look forward to working closely with NatPower Marine to explore the possibilities for establishing the first green shipping corridor between the UK and Ireland, and further enabling support for our customers, shipping lines and hauliers as they transition to a greener future.”

Image from NatPower Marine

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