Project Overview
A&P Falmouth, in partnership with Marine Zero, is delivering the UK’s first scalable, multi-vessel shore power system in Cornwall.
This £12 million project, funded through the UK Government’s Zero Emission Vessel Infrastructure (ZEVI) programme, aims to reduce emissions and noise pollution by enabling vessels to connect to clean electrical power while berthed.
The initiative supports A&P Falmouth’s goal of achieving net-zero operations by 2030 and sets a precedent for sustainable maritime infrastructure across the A&P Group’s UK port network and beyond.
The Challenge
As one of the world’s largest natural deep-water harbours, A&P Falmouth services a diverse range of vessels, including Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships.
The reliance on onboard diesel generators during berthing contributes significantly to airborne emissions and noise pollution.
Our challenge was to design and implement a shore power solution capable of accommodating multiple vessels simultaneously, with the flexibility to scale for future demands, all within the operational constraints of a busy shipyard.
Project Scope & Design
Marine Zero was engaged to provide comprehensive engineering design and project management services for the shore power installation. Key elements of the project included:
- High-Voltage Infrastructure: Upgrading existing HV substations and installing new 1.5MVA shore power connections to service multiple berths and dry docks.
- Scalability: Designing the system to accommodate future increases in capacity and additional connection points as demand grows.
- Integration: Ensuring seamless integration with A&P Falmouth’s existing operations and infrastructure, minimizing disruption during installation.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing CO₂, other airborne emissions and noise pollution by allowing vessels to shut down diesel generators while docked.
Outcomes & Next Steps
Upon completion, the shore power system will enable a significant reduction in emissions and noise pollution at A&P Falmouth.
The project serves as a model for other ports aiming to implement sustainable maritime infrastructure. Future plans include:
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Assessing the performance of the shore power system and its environmental benefits.
- Expansion: Exploring opportunities to extend shore power capabilities to additional berths and accommodate larger vessels.
- Knowledge Sharing: Disseminating findings and best practices to support similar initiatives across the UK and internationally.
Timeline
- February 2023: Project announced as part of the ZEVI programme.
- October 2024: Commencement of on-site works, including HV upgrades and installation of shore power infrastructure.
- Q2 2025: Completion and commissioning of the shore power system
This shore power project will further the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to reducing the impact of vessels on the environment and it is testament to the vital services we deliver and our reputation in the industry that we were chosen by UK Government to be one of the recipients of this funding.”
David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group
