Port of Poole Maritime Industrial Cluster's decarbonisation plan aims to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035 and reach net zero by 2050, driving sustainable growth within the Port of Poole Maritime Cluster.
Background
The Poole Maritime Industrial Cluster brings together a number of tenants on the port estate with operations varying from cargo handling; passenger and ro-ro ferry operators; marine / civil operations; regulatory operations; and building and testing of new-build superyachts, supported by Bournemouth University and BCP Council.
Decarbonisation plan
The Port of Poole Maritime Industrial Cluster is committed to supporting Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with both national and international climate targets set by the UK Government and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
This decarbonisation plan is one of the key outputs from a project funded in conjunction with the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans Funding Competition (LIDP), which is managed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in collaboration with Innovate UK - UK Research and Innovation.
The project: partnerships and support
This project ran over 11 months during 2024 and was led by Poole Harbour Commissioners in collaboration with six other project partners: BCP Council, Bournemouth University, Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries, Jenkins Marine, and Sunseeker International.
It received key support from Royal HaskoningDHV, a leading engineering consultancy that has provided technical expertise in developing this decarbonisation plan. Their work has played a vital role in shaping the plan, drawing on detailed analysis to inform its recommendations. In addition to the six project partners, the Maritime Industrial Cluster comprises a wider, diverse group of stakeholders operating within the Port of Poole estate. This project brings together organisations at different stages in their sustainability journeys, promoting knowledge sharing and joint actions to achieve decarbonisation.
Key actions
Increase electricity supply to meet demand
The electrification of port equipment, vehicles, and vessels, alongside the implementation of shore power, will increase electricity demand, necessitating grid upgrades informed by demand assessments to support the transition to decarbonised operations, with the integration of renewable energy sources and early engagement with providers essential to address potential capacity challenges.
Monitoring and Reporting
Establishment of a unified monitoring framework to track emissions, staff travel, energy use, and asset management, while promoting EV adoption, carpooling, public transport, and operational efficiency to achieve Net Zero targets.
Training for new operations and fuels
Implementation of phased training on new technologies, safety protocols, and emergency response.
Aims and actions post 2026
The port
By 2036, the roadmap outlines a reduction of 1,052 tonnes of CO2e (7.4 per cent of the 2023 baseline) from port operations, along with an additional saving of 348 tonnes of CO2e (2.4 per cent of the 2023 baseline) from the electrification of port vehicles by 2031. This roadmap relies on advancements in renewable energy infrastructure, the timely availability of biofuels, and sufficient funding for equipment replacement and electrification. Adopting a phased approach and leveraging the expertise of cluster members will seek to overcome these challenges.
Actions
Biofuels for existing equipment and vehicles
The adoption of biofuels as an interim solution by 2030 would enable near-term GHG reduction while phasing in electric equipment and upgrading infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition to full electrification without disrupting port operations.
Electrification of new port equipment and vehicles
The electrification of port equipment and vehicles will take place as new technologies are developed and become commercially available. The procurement of these will be driven by the end-of-life replacement of plant and equipment with assessments, at the time, of the most appropriate low-carbon solution to be made as new technologies develop. The powering of such plant will be supported by renewable energy sources like solar and wind to align with the UK’s grid decarbonisation plan. This will also have wider benefits such as improving air quality, and future-proofing operations, while establishing dedicated charging facilities to ensure a seamless transition.
Electrification and Monitoring of Reefer power
Transition to fully electric reefers by 2035 will enable a phased integration with renewable energy infrastructure and a decarbonised grid, reducing GHG emissions while ensuring robust energy storage systems to meet demand, including peak loads.
Smart signage
Smart signage will optimise port traffic management by improving real-time communication, reducing congestion, idling, and emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency for drivers and logistics.
The buildings
By 2036, the roadmap outlines a reduction in building-related emissions by 2,341 tonnes of CO2e (16.4 per cent of the 2023 baseline) through electrification, energy efficiency improvements, and adoption of renewable energy sources.
Actions
Electrification of generators and boilers by 2036
A feasibility study for upgrading boilers and generator systems will be carried out with installation planned for 2035–2036, aligning with decarbonisation of the UK grid and the integration of renewable energy, while incorporating energy storage to optimise supply and demand; solar panels on buildings and other structures will be explored to support renewable energy use.
Active cooling techniques
Active cooling techniques, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and heat pumps, will be introduced starting in 2030, with full implementation by 2035, optimising energy use through advanced controls and incorporating renewable energy, while adhering to ASHRAE guidelines and focusing on energy efficiency.
The vessels
By 2050, we aim to reduce emissions by over 10,000 tonnes of CO2e through the measures contained within our decarbonisation roadmap.
Actions
Shore power
The implementation of shore power will involve a phased approach require training for high-voltage safety, feasibility studies for ferries and smaller vessels, and grid upgrades to support electrification, aligning with EU regulations. The installation will include both shore-based infrastructure and vessel compatibility considerations, ensuring future-proofed energy capacity and emission reductions.
Biofuels
The adoption of HVO is expected to save 3,203 tonnes CO2e by 2035 compared to a 2023 baseline for vessels operating solely from Poole. An interim solution of HVO will be implemented before electrification and zero-carbon fuel adoption for vessels under 50 metres. Biofuels will be integrated into port equipment and vehicles by 2030, allowing time for infrastructure upgrades, vessel conversions, and testing through a pilot programme. This strategy supports gradual progress towards reducing GHG emissions while transitioning to electric vessels and alternative fuels.
Alternative fuels
The integration of alternative fuels is a crucial step towards sustainability for the Cluster. Key fuels for maritime operations include biodiesels, LNG, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia. A feasibility study will look at possible adoption of alternative fuels for vessels, considering factors like fuel availability, cost, storage, and bunkering infrastructure. Renewable fuels fall into two categories: synthetic e-fuels (e.g., renewable hydrogen, e-ammonia) and biogenic fuels (e.g., bio methane, bio diesel), each with distinct advantages. Early training and awareness are essential to ensure informed decisions. Resources from organisations like the IAPH Clean Fuels Group offer valuable guidance for successful implementation.
Electric vessels
The widespread adoption of electric vessels is a key objective, aligned with advances in alternative fuel technologies and shore power implementation. A feasibility study will assess vessel types, operational requirements, electricity sources, and charging infrastructure needs. This transition will coincide with the UK’s grid decarbonisation and renewable energy integration. Electric vessels will reduce carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency, offering lower maintenance costs and better performance.
Generators
The transition of generators will follow two streams:
- Biofuel feasibility: Assessing the potential to convert existing generators to run on HVO fuel, in line with the vessel transition to HVO by 2030.
- Electrification: Conducting a feasibility study and procuring new electric generators, integrated with the broader transition to alternative fuels and electric power
Keeping on track for change
Achieving Net Zero emissions for the Poole Harbour Maritime Industrial Cluster requires careful planning, coordination, and accountability.
The cluster will create a structured governance process including regular progress reviews which will be a key part of the governance process. These reviews will monitor the effectiveness of interventions, measure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt strategies as new technologies and opportunities emerge. By maintaining flexibility, the cluster can stay on track even as circumstances change.
While the roadmaps have been structured around an achievable timeline at the time of their design, their successful exaction will depend on a variety of factors, such as technology advancements, regulatory changes, and available funding.
Flexibility and adaptive management will be essential to respond to these variables and ensure that the cluster remains on track to meeting its Net Zero target.