Sustainable shipping: University of Brighton investigates renewable energy solutions for UK ports

The UK has a long-standing history as a maritime nation and relies heavily on the sector, with 95% of imports (by weight) arriving by sea. In 2019, the sector supported 227,100 jobs and contributed £18.7 billion to the economy. Yet domestic ships accounted for 5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (MtCO2e) that year – roughly the same as the annual emissions of over one million cars – highlighting the challenge of decarbonising this vital industry.

Against this backdrop, the University of Brighton has been awarded significant funding to investigate practical ways to supply Newhaven Port and its vessels with sustainable energy.

The project, called GREENPORTSIDE, will investigate how renewable electricity can be used at the port to support ships and port operations in ways that are technically feasible and economically viable. The findings could help shape the UK’s transition to zero-carbon shipping, reducing pollution while supporting regional growth and innovation.

Newhaven Port is a key link to Europe, handling ferries, freight, and fishing, and is an important part of the local economy. With deepwater berths, good rail and road connections, and plans to become a hub for renewable energy, it is an ideal place to explore cleaner, greener shipping solutions.

Researchers at the university will not only study what energy sources are available, but also how they can be stored and used efficiently. The team will look at both short-term and long-term solutions, including shore power – allowing ships to plug into electricity while docked instead of running diesel engines – and more ambitious options, like the port generating enough renewable electricity to power its own operations and provide fast-charging facilities for battery-electric vessels.

The project brings together experts from the University of Brighton’s School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering and School of Business and Law, in partnership with Newhaven Port, Moda Energy, and UCL. By assessing both the technical feasibility and the economic viability, the team aims to create solutions that could be adopted at ports across the UK.

The engineering team, led by Principal Investigator Dr Cliff Dansoh, is assessing technical options, with guidance from industry partner Moda Energy. Meanwhile, Dr Murat Aymelek and Dr Avanti Pinto are leading the economic studies, examining costs, savings, and practical benefits of renewable energy adoption.

Dr Cliff Dansoh, Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton, 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, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) at the University of Brighton, said: “Sustainability is one of the University of Brighton’s long-standing values - central to our Distinctively Brighton 2035 Strategy. This project exemplifies our commitment to deliver practical solutions to climate challenges. By combining cutting-edge research with local engagement, we are helping the UK shipping sector transition to zero-carbon operations while supporting regional growth and clean energy innovation.”

Dave Collins-Williams, Harbour Manager at Newhaven Port, added: "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. Hopefully, the project will provide insights that could benefit ports across the country."  

Ned Saunders, Design Engineer at Moda Energy Limited said: “Moda Energy is proud to champion the transition toward Clean Industry 4.0. As a Newhaven-based engineering firm, we are dedicated to supporting the UK’s net-zero ambitions by delivering innovative solutions that strengthen energy systems and contribute to sustainable economic growth.”

Through initiatives like GREENPORTSIDE, the University of Brighton continues to strengthen its reputation for sustainability research, practical innovation, and regional engagement, exploring solutions that could shape the future of shipping and energy use.

It draws on the university’s broader maritime expertise, including studies highlighting fibreglass fragments from ageing boats in the sea, and microparticle contamination in chalk streams like the River Itchen, demonstrating the university’s commitment to tackling emerging environmental challenges alongside sustainable shipping solutions.

GREENPORTSIDE is funded by Innovate UK and the Department for Transport through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. The total value of the grant is £271,015 with £91,984 coming to the university.