NatPower Marine, a developer of clean energy infrastructure for the maritime sector, and shipowner Athenian Sea Carriers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which outlines a framework for collaboration on the deployment of cold ironing and electric i-fuel charging solutions across multiple port locations.
Under the agreement, both parties will explore the commercial viability of implementing shore power infrastructure, allowing vessels to plug into sustainable grid electricity while at berth, reducing emissions and improving air quality. The initiative includes future planning for electric i-fuel charging solutions, paving the way for cleaner propulsion technologies.
The collaboration is aligned with Athenian’s ambition to lower emissions and work towards achieving net zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2050. The company has already taken steps in this direction, by building a 10-strong fleet of 18,500 dwt chemical/product tankers. All vessels are fully equipped and ready to connect to and receive shore power.
Stefano DM Sommadossi, CEO, NatPower Marine, said: “This MoU marks another milestone in NatPower Marine’s mission to deliver a global network of shore power solutions that support the energy transition of maritime operations. We are proud to be working alongside an industry leader like Athenian Sea Carriers to accelerate the decarbonisation of international shipping.”
Jens Martin Jensen CEO, Athenian Sea Carriers, added: “We are proud to have teamed up with NatPower Marine to promote the usage of Shore Power/AMP throughout the intended trading area of our new intermediate IMO 2 tankers, delivering from August this year. Shore Power usage will potentially become mandatory for all vessels, enabling the industry to reduce carbon emissions, pollution and noise.”
NatPower Marine Commercial Director Martin Olverson said: ‘’This agreement with Athenian marks an exciting opportunity to work alongside a global shipowner and leader that is actively driving the industry forward. By embracing shore power at fleet scale, Athenian is helping redefine what responsible and future-ready shipping looks like, setting a clear benchmark for others in the sector to follow”.
As part of the agreement, NatPower Marine will develop a detailed master plan and explore commercial terms for delivering shore power and electric bunkering at mutually agreed locations. Athenian will support the process by facilitating access to port authorities and providing energy demand data to ensure the solution is tailored for operational success.
Athenian Sea Carriers, headquartered in Athens, Greece, operates a modern, high-spec fleet with a focus on environmental performance. The partnership is considered to represent a significant step toward creating scalable, cross-border solutions to reduce emissions from port and vessel operations and further signals industry alignment on the urgent need to decarbonise shipping.
Image: Stefano DM Sommadossi, CEO, NatPower Marine (source: NatPower Marine)
