Image caption: Shore power technology at the Port of Southampton
The Port of Southampton was recognised as the Clean Maritime Innovator at the Maritime UK Solent Awards for its work in implementing shore power, enabling cruise ships to plug in and reduce emissions during their time in Southampton.
The annual Maritime UK Solent Awards celebrate the very best of the maritime sector. Accepting nominations from small, medium, and large organisations across 13 categories, the awards acknowledge maritime innovation and excellence within the Solent.
The event was held at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Warrior and HMS Victory, a nod to the history of the maritime sector.
Shore power is available at two Cruise Terminals on the Port – Horizon and Mayflower – for any shore-power-enabled cruise ship. The Port has implemented the technology to meet future demands, with 35% of cruise vessels operating worldwide today and 88% of newly commissioned cruise ships being shore-power-ready, it is vital that Southampton can support the sector to achieve zero emissions at berth.
Alastair Welch, ABP Southampton Regional Director said: “We are incredibly proud to win this award. Implementing shore power is a collaborative approach working with several organisations to ensure the technology is installed and funded in a way that supports a sustainable and environmentally focused sector and Port.”
Earlier this year, ABP launched its ‘Ready for Tomorrow’ sustainability strategy which outlines its commitment to achieving net zero by 2040. Part of the strategy is to support our customers’ operations with their sustainability goals. Shore Power is a leap forward in this area through supporting our customers in reducing their emissions whilst in the Port. ABP is anticipating future shore power implementations for other cruise and container terminals.
