20 March 2025
Poole Harbour has announced the launch of a comprehensive Decarbonisation Plan for the Port of Poole Maritime Industrial Cluster, marking a significant milestone in the Port of Poole’s journey towards sustainability. This strategic initiative seeks to cut carbon emissions from the Port of Poole Maritime Industrial Cluster’s operations while positioning Poole at the forefront of sustainable practices within the UK’s port industry.
Developed under the leadership of PHC in close collaboration with our tenants on the Port Estate, Bournemouth University and BCP Council, and the technical expertise from Royal HaskoningDHV, the plan outlines a roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions, focusing on innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and collaborative efforts with key stakeholders.
Grant funding for the project has been provided by the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans Funding Competition run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in collaboration with Innovate Uk – UK Research and Innovation.
Captain Brian Murphy, PHC’s CEO, said: “This Decarbonisation Plan is a testament to the commitment of all of the organisations on the Port of Poole estate and partners, to environmental responsibility and sustainable growth. It reflects our proactive approach to addressing decarbonisation and enhancing the resilience of our maritime operations.”
The Plan highlights a clear roadmap for emission reduction leading to net zero by 2050 and 40% reduction by 2035. Actions required to achieve that include the adoption of shore power, alternative fuels, electrification of port operations, and improvements in energy efficiency. It also emphasises partnerships with local businesses, research institutions, and governmental bodies to ensure a holistic approach to decarbonisation.
Rosie Macnamara, PHC’s Strategic Projects Manager who managed the project, said: “Our goal is to set a benchmark for sustainable port management, not only in Poole but across the UK. By implementing this ambitious Plan, we aim to significantly reduce our carbon footprint while promoting economic growth and innovation within the maritime sector.”
The full Decarbonisation Plan is available to view here.