The port said that by supplying shore power for SMS Towage’s tugs, the port would both improve air quality and cut 131 tonnes of carbon emissions a year by allowing the tugs to switch off their diesel generators at berth.
SMS Towage said the plugs improve working conditions for tug crews by making the vessels a quieter place to work and rest between guiding vessels safely into the port.
Elly Howe, environmental and sustainability coordinator at Portsmouth International Port said: “We want to be able to provide shore power on all our berths in the coming years ready for cruise vessels and Brittany Ferries’ new hybrid ferries. It is vital that we are supported by the government and electricity network operators to get the power we need to the port to make this happen.”
Ronald Keuning, technical manager at SMS Towage said: “Portsmouth International Port has been extremely helpful in the process of setting up the infrastructure and support need to get our tugs operating on shore-power, while alongside in port. The realisation of this project has helped SMS Towage with their aspirations towards a more sustainable and greener future.”.
A local councillor said the changes at the port would benefit the whole city of Portsmouth.
Portsmouth International Port targets net-zero by 2030 and an emissions free operation by 2050.
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