NatPower Marine and Peel Ports Group Announce Plans for First ‘Green Shipping Corridor’ Between UK and Ireland

In a landmark initiative, NatPower Marine and Peel Ports Group have unveiled plans to establish the first "green shipping corridors" between the UK and Ireland. This ambitious project aims to significantly reduce emissions from maritime activities and support the global transition to sustainable shipping.

The initiative involves NatPower Marine investing over £100 million across Peel Ports Group’s eight ports to create charging infrastructure for electric ships (e-ships) and electric vehicles, including cars, vans, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Key routes identified include Belfast-Heysham and Dublin-Birkenhead, with a goal of making Heysham Port in Lancashire the UK's first net zero port.

This collaboration marks the initial phase of NatPower Marine’s extensive £3 billion plan to develop a global network of 120 "clean ports" by 2030. This network will facilitate the planning and execution of clean shipping routes for ship operators and cargo owners, drastically cutting emissions associated with maritime transport.

Annually, over 3,000 vessels traverse the Irish Sea, emitting significant amounts of CO2, nitrous oxide (NOx), and sulfur oxide (SOx). Connecting these vessels to onshore electric charging infrastructure while in port can substantially lower these emissions, contributing to climate goals and enhancing local air quality.

Stefano Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower Marine, emphasized the urgency of building this infrastructure, highlighting the challenge of electrifying fleets without existing port charging facilities. He stated, "Our partnership with Peel Ports Group is the first step in accelerating the adoption of clean energy in shipping and helping cargo owners achieve net-zero."

Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel Ports Group, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the transformative potential of this partnership and its alignment with their ambition to become a net-zero port operator by 2040.

This project also aligns with broader efforts to decarbonize the marine industry, which is responsible for over 3% of global CO2 emissions. By establishing a robust charging network, NatPower Marine aims to remove barriers to electrification, providing ports and shipping lines with the infrastructure needed to transition to greener operations.