Shore power will be vital to decarbonising the maritime sector and improving air quality for local communities. Currently, berthed vessels must run their onboard diesel engines to power lighting, galleys, air-conditioning and other amenities. It is the equivalent of a car or van idling while parked, emitting polluting fumes into the air around ports and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

With shore power, vessels will be able to turn off their engines and plug into onshore power sources when berthed, reducing carbon emissions, noise and air pollution.

Launching a call for evidence on shore power, UK Maritime Minister Robert Courts noted that as well as vital environmental benefits, stimulating the innovation of new green technologies will continue the revival of the UK’s shipbuilding industry.

The UK was one of the first nations in the world to have a dedicated Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, which pledged £23mn in 2021 to fund over 55 decarbonisation projects. This was joined by commitments made at COP26, in which the UK launched the Clydebank Declaration, a coalition of 22 countries keen to develop green shipping corridors.

Commenting on the call for evidence, Mark Simmonds, Director of Policy and External Affairs for the British Ports Association, says: ‘The ports industry has a key role to play in supporting the decarbonisation of shipping and shore power will be an important part of that.

This call for evidence is a step forward and will help us all better understand the current barriers to delivering more shore power to ships.’