Shore power-enabled ships can now plug in to ABP’s Southampton’s Horizon and Mayflower Cruise Terminals.
AIDA Cruises’ newly delivered ‘AIDAcosma’ and Cunard’s ‘Queen Mary 2’ can now use the port’s shore power, thus creating zero emissions while berthed.
The total shore power project cost was $11.8 mill, which was supported by a grant from the Solent Local Growth Deal, arranged through the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
In 2019, ABP Southampton announced that it was to invest in onshore power for its new Horizon Cruise Terminal, subsequently announcing a second shore power connection, for Mayflower Cruise Terminal, in 2021.
ABP co-operated with Powercon as the main contractor to implement the connection on site.
“We are delighted to have reached this exciting milestone and we are looking forward to working with multiple cruise lines this year as they plug in for zero emissions at berth and make tangible progress towards their own de–carbonisation goals,” Rebekah Keeler, ABP’s Head of Cruise, said.
The UK Government recently announced the launch of its UK SHORE unit to encourage and help facilitate sustainable shipping.
“Yet another significant milestone in the journey to de–carbonising the maritime sector. As we work towards building a green maritime legacy, it’s amazing to see ports such as ABP’s Port of Southampton leading by example to utilise clean maritime technologies for a greener port and better air quality. They’ve done a brilliant job with their shore power facility for cruise ships,” Robert Courts MP, UK Maritime Minister, said.
“It’s fantastic to see the results of our contribution to this project – the first major commercial berth and cruise port to use plug in technology in the UK, resulting in a reduction of CO2 emissions while improving local air quality,” Rachael Randall, Solent LEP Chair, added.
