Consortium led by Ameresco Limited awarded Clean Maritime funding to assess AI‑enabled Shore Power Technologies at the Port of Tyne

The study will examine how ports can deliver clean, reliable shore power to a new generation of hybrid and fully electric vessels. With demand for SOVs accelerating to support offshore wind development, the project focuses on smart charging strategies that cut emissions and reduce reliance on fossil‑fueled onboard generation.

A consortium led by Ameresco including Cranfield University, GeoPura, and the Port of Tyne will evaluate how green technologies such as batteries, hydrogen, and methanol can be combined into flexible, modular charging systems that overcome common grid constraint barriers. These systems could help ports meet the UK’s maritime emissions targets and support the transition to net‑zero by 2050.

The team will develop digital twins of clean generation technologies and use AI to model energy use, optimise vessel charging schedules, and assess efficient alternative‑fuel supply chains. A techno‑economic model will inform intelligent low‑carbon investment decisions and provide environmental analysis.

Findings will guide a full‑scale shore power demonstration at the Port of Tyne and create a roadmap for other UK ports. If successful, the solution could reduce ship‑side emissions at berth by up to 100%, helping improve local air quality and position the UK as a leader in green maritime innovation.

“Ameresco is pleased to have been selected by Innovate UK to assess the feasibility of integrating renewable generation with shore power connections,” said Alexandra Coleman Senior Vice President, UK Operations Oversight and Special Projects at Ameresco. “Alongside our highly capable industry partners, the project will harness AI-driven digital twin technology for optimising berth and charging logistics at the Port of Tyne. This project reflects Ameresco’s unwavering commitment to leading green energy innovation and sustainable solutions for industry”.

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, inspires, involves, and invests in businesses developing life‑changing innovations, providing expertise, facilities, and funding to drive UK productivity and economic growth.

About Ameresco, Inc.

Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider dedicated to helping customers reduce costs, enhance resilience, and decarbonize to net zero in the global energy transition. Our comprehensive portfolio includes implementing smart energy efficiency solutions, upgrading aging infrastructure, and developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources. As a trusted full-service partner, Ameresco shows the way by reducing energy use and delivering energy infrastructure solutions to Federal, state and local governments, utilities, data centers, educational and healthcare institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

About the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC)

The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, part of the Department for Transport. Since 2022, UK SHORE has invested over £230 million across 247 projects, leveraging more than £100 million of private investment to support the transition to zero-emission shipping and the growth of the UK’s clean maritime economy. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, delivers the CMDC on behalf of UK SHORE.

Project Partners

About Cranfield University

Cranfield University has partnered with Port of Tyne to tackle operational and technical challenges in maritime decarbonisation. The team has strong expertise in maritime logistics, alternative fuel supply chain design, seaport operations optimisation, naval architect, renewable energy systems in sea, and green hydrogen generation, storage and transportation. The team is leading port digitalisation, operation and infrastructure development under UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub’ (EP/Y024605/1).

About Port of Tyne

At Port of Tyne, we are dedicated to transforming your supply chain and fuelling your business growth. Our relentless focus on collaboration has made us pioneers in innovative solutions, handling diverse cargoes, and offering unparalleled services.

We continually invest in enhancing our cutting-edge facilities situated along the picturesque River Tyne in North East England. Accessible through a robust network of sea routes, major roads, and rail, our location is a strategic hub, ensuring swift and efficient movement of goods.

The 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub operates as a dynamic catalyst, fostering collaboration among partners to advance the maritime sector and the broader logistics industry. Encouraging the exchange of ideas, harnessing cutting-edge research and development, promoting technological advancements, and tackling shared challenges head-on, the hub aligns seamlessly with the strategic vision outlined in the Maritime 2050 Strategy.

In collaboration with the Department for Transport and Maritime UK, the Maritime 2050 Innovation Hub is committed to ensuring its initiatives yield significant benefits for the entire maritime sector.

About GeoPura

GeoPura is leading the transition to clean energy, replacing fossil fuels with zero-emission alternatives, and providing limitless access to renewable power — when and where needed. GeoPura’s innovative hydrogen technology delivers reliable, scalable, and sustainable energy, from 50kW to 50MW, helping industries cut carbon emissions, improve air quality, and accelerate their journey to net zero.