The University of Brighton has won funding for GREENPORTSIDE, a project that will explore how renewable electricity can power Newhaven Port and the vessels that call there, helping to cut the sector’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
The multidisciplinary team will assess available energy sources, storage options and the potential for shore power that lets ships plug in while berthed rather than run diesel engines. Longer-term scenarios include the port generating enough renewable electricity to run operations and provide fast charging for battery-electric vessels.
Newhaven — a key UK–Europe link handling ferries, freight and fishing — was chosen for its deepwater berths and transport connections.
Partners include Moda Energy and UCL, with engineering work led by Principal Investigator Dr Cliff Dansoh and the economic studies led by Dr Murat Aymelek and Dr Avanti Pinto.
Dr Cliff Dansoh said: “GREENPORTSIDE is an exciting opportunity to explore realistic ways for ports to decarbonise. By combining engineering research with practical economic analysis, we hope to show how ports can reduce emissions while continuing to operate efficiently.”
Professor Rusi Jaspal added that the project aligns with the university’s Distinctively Brighton 2035 Strategy, while Dave Collins-Williams, Harbour Manager at Newhaven Port, said: “Working with the university allows us to explore innovative energy solutions that could make Newhaven a model for sustainable shipping and net zero port operations.”
