Brittany Ferries has reached a major milestone in sustainable shipping by operating the first commercial Cross-Channel ferry using shore power while alongside in Portsmouth. The new hybrid ferry Guillaume de Normandie became the first vessel on the Portsmouth–Caen route to receive electricity directly from the port's power grid instead of running its auxiliary diesel engines during port stays.
The historic voyage took place on 3 August 2026, carrying more than 1,100 passengers from Portsmouth to Caen. By connecting to shore power, the vessel significantly reduced noise and emissions while berthed, providing environmental benefits for both the port and the surrounding community.
The project is part of Portsmouth International Port's new shore power infrastructure, designed to supply electricity to multiple ferry berths. The system allows ships to switch off their onboard generators while in port, improving local air quality and reducing carbon emissions.
Despite its environmental advantages, shore power remains more expensive than operating onboard generators due to electricity prices and grid connection charges. Brittany Ferries has emphasized that the long-term success of similar projects will depend on financial support and government incentives to offset these additional costs.
Following months of negotiations, Brittany Ferries and Portsmouth International Port reached an agreement allowing the company's two newest hybrid ferries, Guillaume de Normandie and Saint-Malo, to use the shore power system. Around 700 shore power connections are expected over the next twelve months.
Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu described the project as a significant achievement for the company and the ferry industry. According to him, shore power enables the new hybrid vessels to operate at their full environmental potential while making ferry services cleaner and quieter for local communities.
The successful introduction of shore power at Portsmouth is seen as an important step toward greener maritime transport in Europe. Industry experts believe similar projects could become increasingly common as ports invest in sustainable infrastructure and shipping companies continue their transition to lower-emission operations.
