University of Portsmouth at the heart of Maritime Innovation

Over three key events, the University’s Sea Change project showcased how research, collaboration, and innovation can drive the UK’s journey to net zero. 

Driving Change with Shore Power 

At the core is Sea Change, an ambitious plan to install the UK’s first multi-berth, multi-ship shore power system at Portsmouth International Port. Vessels will be able to switch off their engines and use green electricity while docked, drastically cutting emissions and improving local air quality. Supported by the government’s Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) programme, Sea Change intends to save over 20,000 tonnes of CO₂e annually from 2027, cementing the Solent’s reputation as a national leader in maritime decarbonisation. 

National Strategy Launched in Portsmouth 

The week began with Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP unveiling the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy at Portsmouth International Port. With targets to reduce shipping emissions by 30% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, shore power will be pivotal. The University of Portsmouth team joined the announcement, highlighting their research and expertise in data science, smart grids, and sustainable infrastructure. 

Mike Sellers, Director of Portsmouth International Port, said: “We welcome the new maritime decarbonisation strategy, which aligns with our master plan. We’re on track to become the UK’s first multi-berth ‘chargeport’ by 2025.

"We were pleased to show the minister what’s happening in Portsmouth and how this could be a model for ports across the country.” 

Engaging the Community Through Data 

Rounding off the week, nearly 100 students, coders, and lecturers joined a hackathon at the University of Portsmouth, harnessing Sea Change data to build solutions such as pollution-mapping apps and behaviour change games. This lively event underlined the University’s commitment to open research, creativity, and community engagement, ensuring that digital innovation remains central to environmental progress. 

The Journey Continues 

These events highlighted the University of Portsmouth’s central role in guiding UK maritime decarbonisation. Over the next three years, the University will continue monitoring engineering progress and environmental benefits as vessels begin connecting to shore power in summer 2025, ensuring the system delivers long-term impact for both the city, port and the planet. 

Professor David Hutchinson, Project Lead at the University of Portsmouth, added: “It was great the the University could play such a major role in an action packed week that underscored the leading edge work that we are doing and how it contributes to regional, national and international priorities. We are delighted that our work at the University has been recognised by the minister as essential to progress and keen to continue building on the success we have achieved through this phase of the sea change project”. 

By bringing together policy, technology, and public engagement, the University of Portsmouth is proving that real change happens when innovation meets collaboration. As the Sea Change project powers ahead, the Solent stands ready to inspire a cleaner, greener maritime future for the entire UK. 

Find out more at www.cleanport.uk