UK Ports Threaten to Deactivate Electric Ship Chargers Over High Energy Costs

Major UK ports are threatening to deactivate shore-side electric charging infrastructure, citing soaring energy costs that make green alternatives uneconomical compared to marine diesel. The Port of Aberdeen and Portsmouth International Port report that high industrial electricity prices have stifled demand for multi-million pound decarbonization projects. Aberdeen, which operates the UK's largest shore-power grid, faces £500,000 in annual standing charges and is scaling back a £5 million project due to weak uptake. Portsmouth warned that using its new electrified berths costs four times more than marine fuel, risking the £19.8 million government-funded facility becoming a "redundant asset." The British Ports Association has written to the Business Secretary, warning that early adopters are being punished by high costs, potentially driving traffic to subsidized European rivals. Brittany Ferries noted that plugging in at Portsmouth would add £2.5 million to its annual energy bill. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated it is reforming grid connections to support the transition.