Shore Power Installation for Fishing Vessels at Shoreham Port, West Sussex

Shore power for ten fishing vessels at Berth Zero

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. The completed system gives vessel operators a cleaner, quieter and more cost-effective way to access the electricity needed for refrigeration, unloading and onboard auxiliary systems.

Located in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, the project required robust electrical infrastructure capable of withstanding the demands of a working wharf and exposed coastal environment.

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

Replacing onboard diesel generators at a live fishing berth

Fishing vessels operating from Shoreham Port required continuous power while berthed, particularly for onboard refrigeration systems, unloading operations and auxiliary supplies.

Historically, this demand was met through onboard diesel generators. While practical, this created ongoing fuel costs, emissions and noise and did not support the port’s plans for cleaner, more sustainable infrastructure.

The installation also had to be delivered without disrupting the movement of vessels, lorries and other operational traffic. Works took place close to the water’s edge, with safety, access, weather exposure and the long-term effects of salt air all needing to be considered.

Marine-grade shore power infrastructure

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

The installation comprised:

• Two custom-built distribution panelboards, SB1 and SB2
• Marine-grade GRP enclosures with stainless steel fittings
• Four parallel runs of four-core 150 mm² LSF SWA PVC armoured cable
• Purpose-built CharlesEndirect feeder pillars
• Individual earth pits for each feeder pillar
• Heavy-duty galvanised ladder rack containment
• Protected cable routes across trenches and culverts
• Spare transformer capacity for future expansion

The equipment and containment were designed to provide corrosion resistance and protect the electrical infrastructure from salt exposure, weather and impact risk.

Phased works, traffic management and careful coordination allowed normal port operations to continue throughout the programme.

Cleaner, quieter shore power with capacity for future demand

The completed shore power network provides a reliable electrical supply for ten fishing vessels across five berths at Berth Zero.

Reducing the need for onboard diesel generators helps lower fuel use, emissions and noise while maintaining essential power for refrigeration, unloading and onboard systems. Vessel crews also benefit from fewer fumes and less generator noise while working or resting onboard.

With marine-grade enclosures, protected cabling, dedicated feeder pillars and spare transformer capacity, Shoreham Port now has resilient electrical infrastructure supporting both current operations and future demand.

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