Unlocking port decarbonisation: the role of increased grid capacity

Ports are at the heart of global trade, acting as hubs for goods, services, and economic activity. However, as the maritime sector races to meet decarbonisation targets, the critical issue of grid capacity at ports has emerged as a central challenge.  

Addressing this need is not only vital for ports themselves but also for their tenants, shipping customers, and the broader supply chain. The SeaChange project, supported by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund, which is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, and led by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, is a groundbreaking initiative aiming to help network operators understand and deliver the increased power capacity required to support these decarbonisation efforts.

The growing demand for grid capacity 

This shift is driven by several key factors: 

• Electrification of port operations: Many ports are transitioning from diesel-powered equipment to electric alternatives, including cranes, vehicles, and other machinery. This shift is essential for reducing on-site emissions but places significant strain on existing grid infrastructure. 
• Onshore Power Supply (OPS): Ships are increasingly required to plug into the grid while docked, allowing them to shut off their auxiliary engines and reduce emissions. However, providing OPS for large vessels requires substantial power capacity, particularly for ports handling high volumes of traffic. 
• Support for emerging fuels: The adoption of e-fuels such as e-methanol and e-ammonia requires dedicated infrastructure for production, storage, and bunkering. These facilities are energy-intensive and add further demand to the port’s grid. 
• Decarbonisation targets: Regulatory pressures from initiatives like the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation and corresponding FuelEU Maritime Regulation compel ports to adopt low-carbon solutions, driving the need for robust and scalable electrical networks. 

Despite these pressing demands, many ports are grappling with inadequate grid capacity because of their location at the end of the existing energy network – limitations which hinder their ability to support decarbonisation efforts and jeopardises both operational efficiency and environmental goals. 

The diversity of port needs 

While the need for greater grid capacity is nearly universal, ports vary widely in their scales, activities, and challenges. Major international ports handling significant container traffic or bulk goods face immense power demands, particularly for OPS and large-scale electrification, while regional and specialist ports often lack the resources or infrastructure to scale up their grid capacity, even as they face similar regulatory and operational pressures. 

Ports serving energy-intensive industries must accommodate both their own decarbonisation needs and those of their tenants, such as manufacturing or logistics companies.  

The SeaChange project recognises these varied needs and aims to provide a framework for scalable solutions tailored to different port contexts. 

A strategic approach to grid capacity 

The SeaChange project is an innovative initiative designed to address the grid capacity challenge head-on by leveraging funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund. The project focuses on assessing current needs through collaborating with ports to understand their existing power requirements and the projected demand driven by decarbonisation initiatives; highlighting the technical, financial, and regulatory obstacles to expanding grid capacity, including the integration of renewable energy sources; and developing strategies to help network operators provide the necessary infrastructure upgrades in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The project also emphasises collaboration between ports, energy providers, and policymakers to align efforts and ensure that solutions are both practical and future-proof. 

Wider implications for the maritime sector 

The implementation of new initiatives like SeaChange has far-reaching implications for the maritime industry and beyond. Ports with enhanced grid capacity will be better positioned to support the production and distribution of e-fuels, accelerating the transition to cleaner shipping, while expanding grid capacity creates opportunities for ports to integrate renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind or solar, further reducing their carbon footprint. This upgraded infrastructure can attract new tenants and businesses, fostering economic activity and creating jobs in the green economy. 

However, the path forward is not without challenges. Infrastructure upgrades require substantial investment, and balancing the needs of various stakeholders can be complex. Additionally, regulatory frameworks must evolve to support innovation and incentivise collaboration. 

Collaboration: the key to progress 

The maritime sector’s transition to a low-carbon future cannot be achieved in isolation. Success depends on coordinated efforts across industries, with ports serving as critical nodes in the decarbonisation ecosystem. Initiatives like SeaChange highlight the importance of: 

• Public-private partnerships: Combining resources and expertise from government bodies, private companies, and research institutions to drive innovation. 
• Data-driven planning: Leveraging advanced modelling and analytics to predict future power demands and optimise infrastructure investments. 
• Regulatory alignment: ensuring that policies support the deployment of new technologies and provide clear pathways for compliance. 

Increasing grid capacity at ports is not merely a technical challenge but a cornerstone of the maritime sector’s decarbonisation strategy. As the SeaChange project demonstrates, addressing this issue requires innovative thinking, collaborative approaches, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. By investing in the infrastructure needed to support greener technologies, ports can position themselves as leaders in the global transition to a low-carbon future. This transformation will not only benefit the maritime industry but also contribute to broader efforts to combat climate change and build a more sustainable world. 

SeaChange is a collaborative project between Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC), The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Associated British Ports (ABP), British Ports Association (BPA), National Gas Transmission Plc and Ricardo. 

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