Planning 20 years of growth at Portsmouth International Port

Building a 20-year roadmap for cruise, ferry and cargo operations

Portsmouth International Port (PIP) needed to produce a clear 20-year port development roadmap to help guide decisions within both the cruise and ferry operations. It also needed to expand the capacity and facilities at the Portico lift-on, lift-off (LoLo) terminal for handling containers, bulk, and general cargo.

It was also important to include green port initiatives, port integration with the wider City of Portsmouth, and resilience against market fluctuations and trends (including the post-Brexit transition) in the masterplan – as well as identifying opportunities for the use technology and innovation.

An in-depth study of the port’s needs and challenges

We worked closely with PIP to carry out a market forecast study and an extensive stakeholder and customer consultation campaign to fully understand their requirements. We then presented the team with a series of options including phasing plans, cost estimates and 3D rendering.

This allowed PIP’s leaders to identify key development projects for the masterplan which accommodated the future cargo and business growth potential forecasted.

One of PIP’s more urgent problems was resolving the issues around the lack of developable port real estate to accommodate future cargo volumes. We helped the team identify how to optimise the port’s space, such as using external areas for parking, and recommending areas for acquisition. We also suggested critical road junction upgrades to improve through traffic.

Ambitious targets for the next two decades

A key component of the masterplan is PIP’s roadmap to becoming a net carbon neutral port by 2030 – and the UK’s first zero emission port by 2050.

This can be achieved by increasing electrification of cargo handling equipment and vehicles, supporting customers to transition to green shipping using cleaner fuels and shore power, and potentially using alternative energy solutions, such as LNG and batteries.

Our Green Port specialists are also helping the team capitalise on carbon offset opportunities such as carbon capture, integrated park and ride schemes, and green tenant initiatives to bring down their carbon footprint.

And on the Smart Ports side, our specialists explored opportunities for more efficient operations through alternate technology and logistics models such as truck pre-gates, automation, and vehicle booking systems, which will also help reduce the port’s carbon footprint.