UK's NatPower Marine and Wah Kwong launch Asia's first zero-emission port power venture

In a major international push to cut shipping emissions, global clean infrastructure developer NatPower Marine and leading 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.

"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," said Hing Chao, Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong.

"Asia's ports are the backbone of global trade and now they must become the frontlines of climate action," said Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower Marine UK and Joint Director of the new company. "This partnership gives us the reach, capability and credibility to deliver the infrastructure needed to support net zero shipping at scale."

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.

Operating under a Charge Point Operator (CPO) model, Wah Kwong NatPower Holdings will fully fund, build and manage the infrastructure, removing the need for upfront investment from port authorities. Each site will be equipped with an integrated shore power system, including shore-side substations, battery energy storage and smart grid interfaces to support both cold ironing and vessel propulsion charging. The JV mirrors the privately funded model that NatPower Marine is already deploying in Europe. In the UK and Ireland, the company is investing £100 million to electrify key terminals, including the partnership with Peel Ports Group, delivering shore power and vessel charging infrastructure along the Irish Sea and supporting more than 3,000 vessel movements annually.