Shoreham Port has appointed energy supplier UrbanChain to provide electricity across its 115-acre estate, as the south coast port pursues plans to integrate renewable generation, battery storage and electrified equipment into its operations.
The agreement, which takes effect in October 2026, forms part of the port’s programme to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035. Its wider energy strategy includes investment in onsite solar and wind generation, battery storage and the electrification of cranes and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
The port, which accommodates around 175 tenants, typically receives 600 commercial ship calls and handles approximately 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually.
UrbanChain is an Ofgem-licensed electricity supplier operating private energy markets designed to connect electricity consumers more directly with renewable generators. Its model aims to provide greater transparency over electricity sourcing while allowing organisations to align procurement with their energy and decarbonisation strategies.
Beyond the immediate electricity supply arrangement, the two organisations envisage further collaboration to coordinate renewable generation, energy storage and electricity consumption across the port estate.
This could include optimising the use of onsite generation and battery assets, as well as participating in electricity flexibility markets. Such arrangements could become increasingly important as the port electrifies more of its operations and electricity demand grows.
Brian Rousell, Director of Engineering & Environment at Shoreham Port, said: “We have an ambitious target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035 through extensive electrification of our operations including mobile machinery and road-going HGVs. We are looking forward to working with UrbanChain to achieve this in an environmentally and economically sustainable way for the long-term future of the Port.”
The agreement establishes a framework for closer integration of the port’s electricity supply and energy infrastructure.