UK ports will require significantly more electricity in the coming decades for shore power, vessel charging and the development of alternative fuel infrastructure. However, long waits for grid connections and high energy costs could slow the maritime industry's transition to net-zero emissions.
This was the conclusion reached by the UK Department for Transport, which published a summary of responses to the Net Zero Ports: Challenges and Opportunities call for evidence. The consultation was launched in March 2025 alongside the government's maritime decarbonisation strategy.
The consultation received responses from 65 participants, including 17 port companies, 11 industry associations and four companies operating in the shipping, cruise and ferry sectors. Its purpose was to examine the infrastructure, energy and regulatory challenges ports face in eliminating domestic maritime greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Power demand could increase tenfold
Electricity supply emerged as one of the key challenges. Grid connections at major UK ports are currently typically measured in megawatts. According to respondents, the median available capacity is 5.5 MW, while the average is 11.73 MW. Several ports are already using almost all of their available capacity.
Electricity demand will rise rapidly as cargo-handling equipment is electrified, shore power and vessel charging systems are introduced, and alternative marine fuel facilities are built.
Port companies expect their required capacity to increase between twofold and tenfold, reaching an average of approximately 91 MW. Most respondents indicated that already planned upgrades would be insufficient to meet all future demand.
Grid connections can take up to 15 years
Securing additional capacity can take years. Respondents reported difficulties obtaining timely and affordable grid upgrades. In some cases, the wait for a connection can be as long as 15 years.
One port initially received an offer for phased connections through 2030, but was later warned that transmission grid constraints could extend the wait until 2039.
These problems are already affecting investment. Of the 26 participants asked whether ports or their customers had lost opportunities because of insufficient electricity supply, 69% said yes. Some reported that cruise and ferry operators were choosing European ports because shore power was more readily available and electricity prices were lower. Others noted that grid constraints were discouraging investment in electric vessels and green fuel production.
Alternative fuels face cost and uncertainty barriers
Port plans include developing infrastructure for methanol, hydrogen, ammonia, biofuels and electric vessel charging. Respondents identified grid constraints, high capital costs, uncertainty about future fuel demand and complex regulation as the main obstacles.
According to participants, fully developing alternative fuel bunkering and charging facilities will typically take between five and ten years, while some projects may not be completed until 2050. The cost of charging infrastructure is estimated at between £45,000 and more than £20 million per berth, depending mainly on vessel size and the electrical capacity required.
Reducing emissions from vessels at berth
The consultation also considered the possible introduction of a UK requirement to reduce emissions from vessels while at berth. Of the 51 respondents, 76% agreed or strongly agreed that such a measure could reduce greenhouse gas emissions in port areas.
Participants identified shore power as the most mature solution. However, high equipment costs, grid constraints and vessel retrofitting expenses remain significant barriers to its adoption.
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