Largest Thames shorepower system switched on
The largest shorepower system on London’s iconic River Thames has been switched on by Net Zero Marine (NZM) working with tug giant Svitzer.
Nine hundred metres of electric cabling, five safety isolation points and a steel cable bridge over the flood wall, to avoid compromising the flood barrier, have been installed so that Svitzer’s tug fleet can operate at Denton Wharf, about 30 miles upriver from the Thames estuary, using electric power instead of diesel.
The electric power, which can supply 0.55MW, comes from TotalEnergies and is said to be from a 100% renewable tariff. The static diesel generator was removed.
Installation works included 150 metres of ducting along the jetty for the shorepower feeds to the tug berths and connection points, with sub-surface trenching and containment to bring feeds to shore connection cabinets and points.
“NZM is focused on improving air quality in the UK maritime sector,” said Head of Origination for NZM Miles Cole. “We are very proud to be part of this project and our ambition is to roll out many more of these projects over the coming years.”
Transport for London and UK Power Networks have also indicated a future project will be installed at Woolwich Ferry terminal, which would be much larger at up to 2MW. The schemes are all part of the Port of London Authority’s ‘Thames Vision 2050’ and UK Maritime 2050 decarbonisation commitments.
