Ship charging infrastructure company NatPower Marine is urging regulators at the IMO MEPC meeting to keep pace with what it says is already happening across the maritime sector.
NatPower Marine believes that while global frameworks are still under negotiation, industry leaders are not standing still.
Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, CEO NatPower Marine, said: “The time for theory has passed. At NatPower Marine, we’re focused on what’s already working and ready to scale. Electrification is no longer something we’re waiting for — it’s happening right now and it’s already more cost-effective than keeping with the status quo. MEPC 83 is a significant opportunity for the IMO, but the reality is that the industry is already moving ahead.”
NatPower Marine is developing a privately funded global network of 120 Green Shipping Corridors, providing port-to-port e-charging for cold ironing and electric propulsion. These systems are being installed and operated at berth, at anchor and at sea in collaboration with ports, shipping lines and technology partners. The company is additionally stepping in to manage and optimise underused infrastructure. It believes that too many port electrification projects have stalled due to a lack of operational know-how, and hopes to bring the investment, technology and management expertise to ensure the system works and continues to work.
Sommadossi added: “Ports, cities, passengers and cargo owners are all demanding cleaner operations. In some port cities, ships contribute up to 35% of urban air pollution. Our corridors give ship operators a clear, practical way to reduce those emissions without compromising performance or profitability.”
NatPower Marine is working directly with ports and shipping lines to ensure that shore power infrastructure is more than just hardware. The focus is on making sure these installations are integrated properly and run efficiently, learning from the earlier public sector projects, where often the infrastructure was installed but never activated or fully utilised.
Sommadossi said: “We don’t just build infrastructure, we run it, optimise it and make sure it delivers real commercial value. This isn’t legacy electricity; it’s electric fuel. This is new and it needs to be managed by people who understand its complexity and potential.”
Martin Olverson, Business Development Director, NatPower Marine, added: “We’re delivering both the physical network and the digital tools that support it. That includes smart charging infrastructure on the quayside and digital twin modelling that allows shipowners to track energy use, manage cost and speed up their transition.”
As policymakers continue to debate carbon pricing, compliance thresholds and fuel standards, NatPower Marine says the regulatory conversation must now align with the progress already being delivered by the industry.
Sommadossi concluded: “Electrification isn’t just the right move; it’s a competitive edge. Shore power and electric propulsion aren’t future technologies. They’re available now and should be scaling across ports and shipping lines worldwide. Early adopters are already seeing gains in cost, reputation and operational resilience. We’re building it. Others are, too. The investment is real, the market is moving, and now we need policy to catch up and help us scale faster.”
Image: Stefano Sommadossi, CEO NatPower Marine (source: ImageLine PR)
