In a major international push to cut shipping emissions, clean infrastructure developer NatPower Marine and Asian shipowner Wah Kwong Maritime Transport have launched a joint venture to build and operate a dedicated network of electric shore power stations across Asia.
The new company, Wah Kwong NatPower Holdings, will develop grid-connected infrastructure at major ports in Hong Kong, with plans to develop partnerships in Greater China and infrastructure across North Asian markets, by enabling vessels to switch off fossil-fuel auxiliary engines while using shore-based power at berth and plug into zero-emission electricity for providing clean electricity for cold ironing and propulsion.
Hing Chao, Executive Chairman, Wah Kwong, said: “As part of the wider Wah Kwong Group strategy, we continue to form new ventures delivering diversified decarbonisation solutions to address industry needs. This venture brings the industrial logic, financial backing and technical certainty the region has been anticipating in marine electrification.”
Stefano D M Sommadossi, CEO NatPower Marine UK, added: “Asia’s ports are the backbone of global trade and now they must become the frontlines of climate action. This partnership gives us the reach, capability and credibility to deliver the infrastructure needed to support net zero shipping at scale.”
Fabrizio Zago, Founder and Group CEO, NatPower, said: “We are applying our deep energy infrastructure experience to accelerate the maritime transition. This joint venture is about building the systems, powered by renewables, that will help the global shipping sector decarbonise faster.”
Greg McMillan, Director, Wah Kwong NatPower Holdings, added: “After the official setup of Venture Energy in June this year, the launch of this joint venture is a milestone in our partnership strategy. By leveraging our shipping expertise and NatPower Marine’s strength as a shore electrification partner, we are another step closer to creating a greener future in the region.”
Wah Kwong, founded in 1952, is one of Hong Kong’s most established shipowners, with global operations across ship owning, ship management, dry bulk operating and energy. Wah Kwong plays an active role in forging decarbonisation partnerships and demonstrating technical feasibility in sophisticated maritime operations, such as the technical management of China’s first LNG bunkering vessel and green methanol bunkering vessels.
NatPower Marine is part of the NatPower Group, a Luxembourg-headquartered renewable energy developer with over 30 GW of solar, wind, battery storage, and hydrogen projects globally. The Group operates across Europe, North America, and Asia.
The new joint venture aims to launch its first projects in 2026, targeting high-traffic ferry and container terminals across Asia. It plans to deploy shore power infrastructure for cold ironing and propulsion at more than 30 ports by 2030, creating the backbone of Asia’s first clean charging corridor for ships.
Vincent Ni, GM WK NatPower, said: “The mission of WK NatPower is to deliver green electricity to ships both at berth for cold ironing and for propulsion through the investment, development, and operation of a comprehensive maritime electrification infrastructure network across Asia. Based in Hong Kong, one of our first objectives is to make a lasting impact locally, providing long-term environmental benefits to residents and enhancing ports competitiveness.”
Sommadossi concluded: “We are creating the infrastructure to future-proof the maritime sector, from ferries to containerships, to cruising ships. From Liverpool to Hong Kong and beyond, this network will allow global shipping to plug in, convert to sustainable electric fuel, an immediate opportunity for saving and decarbonising without compromise for a greener future.”
Wah Kwong is investing in shipping decarbonisation with several initiatives under Venture Energy, including the first e-methanol bunkering ship in Shanghai.
Image: Stefano D M Sommadossi, NatPower Marine UK, and Hing Chao, Executive Chairman, Wah Kwong Maritime Transport (source: NatPower)
