Shoreham Port strengthens sustainable shore power at Berth Zero

Overview

Shoreham Port commissioned DW Energy to design and install a new shore power network at Berth Zero, supporting ten fishing vessels across five berths.

The project was developed to reduce the use of onboard diesel generators during overnight berthing, giving vessel operators a cleaner, quieter and more cost effective way to access essential power while in port. The new system provides reliable electrical supply for refrigeration systems, unloading operations and onboard auxiliary supplies, while helping Shoreham Port reduce emissions and noise across a busy marine environment.

Located in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, the project required a robust electrical infrastructure solution that could withstand the demands of a working wharf and an exposed coastal location.

Client feedback

“We recently had the pleasure of working with DW Energy on our Berth Zero Project at Shoreham Port, and I can honestly say they have been an outstanding partner throughout the entire process. Their team’s professionalism, expertise, and commitment to quality were evident from the very beginning.”

Smitesh Hankare

The challenge

Fishing vessels operating from Shoreham Port required continuous power while berthed, particularly to run onboard refrigeration systems for their catch, support unloading and power auxiliary supplies. The catch is shipped out by lorry, so the shore power system needed to support the vessels and unloading activity without implying any fish processing on site.

Historically, this power demand was met through onboard diesel generators. While practical, this approach created ongoing fuel costs, emissions and noise, and did not align with the port’s wider ambition to provide cleaner and more sustainable infrastructure for its users.

Shoreham Port needed a more efficient shore power supply that could support day to day fishing operations without disrupting the critical movement of goods through the site. Lorries and other operational traffic needed to continue moving safely around the berth, so the works had to be carefully planned around live port activity.

The location also presented clear installation challenges. Works were carried out close to the water’s edge on a busy operational wharf, with safety, access and weather exposure all needing to be managed throughout the project. The final system also had to be durable enough for a harsh marine environment, where salt air, wind, impact risk and exposed cable routes can all affect long term performance.

The solution

DW Energy designed and installed a dedicated shore power system fed by a new UK Power Networks transformer, with additional capacity built in to support future port expansion.

The installation included two custom built distribution panelboards, SB1 and SB2, housed in RAL5020 marine grade GRP enclosures with stainless steel furniture to provide corrosion resistance in the coastal environment.

High capacity submains were installed using four parallel runs of four core 150mm² LSF SWA PVC armoured cable. These were carefully routed through purpose built trenches and across culverts using heavy duty galvanised ladder rack containment.

To provide safe and reliable vessel supply, DW Energy installed purpose built feeder pillars manufactured by CharlesEndirect, each with its own earth pit. The containment system and steel supports were fabricated to protect the cabling from impact, salt exposure and weather related wear.

The programme was delivered through careful coordination, phased works and traffic management, allowing Shoreham Port to maintain normal operations throughout. This was particularly important in a live port setting, where access, vessel movements, lorry collections and unloading activity had to continue safely around the works.

The result

The completed shore power network gives Shoreham Port a cleaner, quieter and more reliable way to support fishing vessels at Berth Zero.

By reducing the need for onboard diesel generator use while vessels are berthed, the project helps cut fuel costs, carbon emissions and noise while maintaining essential power for refrigeration, unloading and onboard auxiliary systems.

It also creates a better environment for the fishers themselves. With less generator noise and fewer fumes around the vessels, crews benefit from improved conditions when working onboard and when trying to rest between operations.

The installation provides robust marine grade infrastructure for a demanding port environment. With protected cable routes, corrosion resistant enclosures, dedicated feeder pillars and spare transformer capacity, Shoreham Port now has a durable electrical platform that supports current operations and future demand.

Closing summary

For Shoreham Port, the Berth Zero shore power project has delivered a practical and lower carbon alternative to onboard diesel generator use. It supports local fishing operations, reduces fuel related costs and emissions, and provides resilient electrical infrastructure in one of the port’s most operationally important areas.

By combining technical electrical design, marine grade installation standards and careful coordination in a live port environment, DW Energy helped Shoreham Port deliver a safer, cleaner and more dependable power solution for its fishing fleet.

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