Asia’s first zero-emission shore power venture launched

NatPower Marine and Wah Kwong Maritime Transport have launched a joint venture to build and operate electric shore power stations across Asia. The new company, Wah Kwong NatPower Holdings, will start in Hong Kong and expand to other North Asian ports.

The venture allows vessels to switch off fossil-fuel engines while at berth. Ships can plug into zero-emission electricity for cold ironing and propulsion. The aim is to cut emissions and support net-zero shipping at scale.

Hing Chao, Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong, said the project brings technical certainty and financial backing to marine electrification in Asia. Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower Marine UK, added that Asia’s ports must become the frontlines of climate action.

The joint venture will launch its first projects in 2026. By 2030, it plans to deploy shore power infrastructure at more than 30 high-traffic ferry and container terminals. Each site will include substations, battery storage, and smart grid systems to support cold ironing and vessel propulsion.

The model mirrors NatPower Marine’s UK operations. In the UK and Ireland, the company is investing £100 million to electrify key terminals. This supports over 3,000 vessel movements annually.

NatPower Marine’s parent, NatPower Group, is also behind NatPower H, a hydrogen refuelling network for boats and marinas in Monaco, Venice, and La Spezia. Together, these initiatives aim to deliver a global clean energy infrastructure for shipping.

Vincent Ni, General Manager of WK NatPower, said the company’s goal is to provide long-term environmental benefits, enhance port competitiveness, and support sustainable shipping. Wah Kwong is also investing in e-methanol bunkering and other decarbonisation initiatives through its Venture Energy program.

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