Energy solutions firm UK Power Networks Services has won a contract to supply new electrical technology for the Port of Felixstowe to reduce reliance on diesel, reduce emissions and increase resilience of the port’s electricity network.
Port of Felixstowe is one of the UK’s largest container ports, handling about 40% of the country’s container traffic according to UK Power Networks.
The port is undergoing a three-year decarbonisation project, which will see the upgrade of the existing 11,000-volt electricity network to supply the seventeen new electric gantry cranes used to load and unload containers.
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The electrification upgrade will also allow 48 new electric tractor units for the port to replace some of the existing diesel vehicles which transport containers around the port for distribution.
Steven Muscat, head of engineering at UK Power Networks Services, said: “We are excited to be working with the Port of Felixstowe as part of their journey to further decarbonise the port through electrification of its operations. The new electrical infrastructure and the rollout of electric cranes and tractor units will make a significant step in contributing to the port’s sustainability targets.”
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According to Port of Felixstowe, this electrification project will improve air quality around the port by eliminating diesel powered cranes and vehicles.
This is UK Power Networks Services’ first major project in the ports industry and one of its largest projects in the last five years.
