Port of Dover Ferry Charging

The Port of Dover are seeking expressions of interest from strategic funding partners to work with us on an exciting new project to develop and enable the Port to facilitate green straights between Dover, Calais and Dunkirk, which will allow the port to offer ferry shore power charging. The port system generates approximately 1.1 million tonnes of CO2 annually (which is equivalent to 8% of UK maritime emissions as a whole), shipping being the largest contributor representing 75% of those emissions, the electrification of these ferries will drastically reduce these carbon and air quality emissions.

The electrification of the ferries would mean that this vital trade route would also become a high-volume Green Corridor which would directly support DfT’s Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy, COP26 and the Clydebank Declaration objectives progressing the nation’s move to Net Zero 2050. This work would demonstrate a large-scale, real-world application for net zero shipping corridors, opening the door for similar investments and innovations across both the UK and the world, cementing the UK’s position as a leader in maritime decarbonisation.

Whilst the works will be for the Port of Dover there is a requirement for strategic alignment with both the Port Boulogne Calais and the Port of Dunkerque. There are currently three ferry companies operating from the Port of Dover of which DFDS have made a public commitment to electrify their channel fleet by 2035, starting with 2 fully electric ferries joining the route as early as 2030.

Due to the complexity, scale and capital requirements of these power demands the Port of Dover sees significant benefits in developing a strategic partnership approach. This approach would be a partnership with the Ferry operators and an appropriate 3rd party provider to deliver this step change in power for shore side ferry charging under a long-term power purchase agreement with appropriate commercial terms between parties.

The intent is that the strategic funding partner will develop the following; - A new internal High Voltage (HV) network within the Port, dedicated to ferry charging, to facilitate an estimated 160MW inline with the requirements of the Ferry Operators (with on-site BESS and/or harmonisation of the ferry schedule this could reduce). - The necessary transformers, switch gear, on site BESS and cable infrastructure to allow the port to manage the power demand profile and locate power on multiple berths at the port. - Partner with a suitable supplier of the "plug" solution to allow the vessels to re-charge or connect to shore power when in berth, including power conversion equipment. Expressions of interest must be via our In-Tend Procurement Platform - available for enrolment here: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/portofdover/aspx/Home