Shore Power

Shore power will provide cruise ships with renewable power from an on-shore electricity source. Doing so will help ensure the continued growth of a business which generated £8m for the Dorset economy in 2022 (Over 100,000 tourist visitors arrived at Portland Port by cruise ship in 2022).

Failing to provide shore power is likely to result in a decline in direct and indirect cruise related employment and a decline in local wealth creation. Over 60% of the cruise ships calling at Portland Port in 2023 are already capable of taking shore power.

Whilst in port, cruise ships currently generate power by burning diesel. This results in emissions of unabated particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide that reduce air quality.

The Portland ERF will feature sophisticated emission reduction technology to reduce emissions. The Portland ERF is the only potential near term (pre-2036) source of electricity to enable Portland Port to provide electric shore power to visiting cruise ships.

Due to local grid constraints, it will not be possible to deliver shore power at Portland from the National Grid for over ten years.

Read Powerfuel Portland's ERF Proposal Summary document here.