Research partnership into renewables – GreenPortSide

Exploring how renewable energy can power cleaner shipping

A new research partnership between the University of Brighton, MODA Energy, University College London and Newhaven Port is investigating how renewable energy can support cleaner shipping and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The project, called GREENPORTSIDE, brings together researchers, industry partners and port operators to explore practical, economically viable energy solutions that could help decarbonise port operations and vessels using Newhaven.

Tackling one of shipping’s biggest challenges

Decarbonising the maritime sector is a significant national challenge. Domestic shipping produced around five million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in 2019 — roughly the same annual emissions as more than one million cars. Yet shipping remains vital to the UK economy, supporting 227,100 jobs and contributing £18.7 billion in the same year. By weight, 95% of UK imports arrive by sea.

With pressure increasing to cut emissions while maintaining economic growth, ports like Newhaven are well placed to trial innovative approaches to cleaner energy.

A real-world testbed on the south coast

Newhaven Port is a key gateway to Europe, serving ferries, freight and fishing vessels. Its deepwater berths, strong road and rail connections, and strategic south coast location make it an ideal site to explore how renewable energy infrastructure could operate in a working port environment.

The GREENPORTSIDE project will assess which renewable energy sources are most suitable for port use, how energy can be stored effectively, and how it can be supplied to vessels and on-site operations in a reliable and commercially viable way.

Researchers from the University of Brighton’s School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering and the School of Business and Law are working in partnership with Newhaven Port, Moda Energy and UCL. Together, they are combining technical, environmental and economic expertise to evaluate the feasibility of different energy systems and develop scalable solutions.

The aim is not only to support Newhaven Port’s journey towards net zero operations, but also to generate insights that could inform the UK’s wider transition to zero-carbon shipping.

Dave Collins-Williams, Harbour Manager at Newhaven Port, said:

“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. We hope the project will provide insights that could benefit ports across the country.”

The GREENPORTSIDE project is funded by Innovate UK and the Department for Transport through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, a national programme accelerating the UK’s transition to zero-emission shipping technologies and infrastructure.

The total value of the grant is £271,015, with £91,984 awarded to the University of Brighton to support its research and collaboration with industry partners.

By securing this competitive national funding, the partnership is not only advancing cleaner maritime solutions but also strengthening the south coast’s role in green innovation — supporting sustainable economic growth while helping to shape the future of UK ports.

You can find out more at Brighton University.