A UK port says it’s getting closer to becoming the UK’s first port to provide shore side power and ship-to-ship LNG bunkering for cruise ships.
ABP Southampton plans to become the first major commercial berth and cruise terminal to use shore power in 2020, using potential funding from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.
A spokesperson for ABP said: “We’re really pleased with the positive progress we’re making towards our commitment of installing shore power at the Port of Southampton.”
“Our ambition is to be the first major shore power commercial installation in the UK and securing support from Solent LEP marks a crucial milestone in delivering this ambition.”
The shore power project will cost £6,313,171 in total, for which a funding application has been lodged for £4,434,350.
But shore side power isn’t the only thing on the agenda. The port authority is also looking to better service its customers who require LNG.
In Oct 2018, ABP Southampton announced a partnership investment with P&O Cruises to significantly upgrade Ocean Cruise Terminal in readiness for its new cruise ship, Iona, due this Spring.
Iona is the first wholly powered LNG cruise ship built for the UK market. With Iona’s arrival, the Port of Southampton said it will be the UK’s first port to enable the provision of ship to ship LNG bunkering for cruise ships.
The Port of Southampton already welcomes LNG powered ro-ro vessels on a weekly basis.
The port’s green plans are in line with the UK Government’s 2050 Maritime Strategy on a pathway towards lower and zero emissions.
They’re also in line with the city of Southampton’s Green City Charter’s delivery plan. This includes plans to increase the number of charging points for electric vehicles, plant 5,000 trees, create 25 urban meadows and reduce the number of parking spaces in the city centre over the next years.
Source: www.greenport.com
