Global clean infrastructure developer NatPower Marine on Thursday (4 September) announced the launching of a joint venture with Hong Kong shipowner Wah Kwong Maritime Transport 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.”

“We are applying our deep energy infrastructure experience to accelerate the maritime transition. This joint venture is about building the systems, powered by renewables, that will help the global shipping sector decarbonise faster,” adds Fabrizio Zago, Founder & Group CEO, NatPower and CEO, NatPower Marine Global.

“After the official setup of Venture Energy in June this year, the launch of this joint venture is a milestone in our partnership strategy,” added Greg McMillan, Director of Wah Kwong NatPower Holdings. “By leveraging our shipping expertise and NatPower Marine’s strength as a shore electrification partner, we are another step closer to creating a greener future in the region.”

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.

“The mission of WK NatPower is to deliver green electricity to ships both at berth for cold ironing and for propulsion through the investment, development, and operation of a comprehensive maritime electrification infrastructure network across Asia,” said Vincent Ni, General Manager of WK NatPower said. “Based in Hong Kong, one of our first objectives is to make a lasting impact locally, providing long-term environmental benefits to residents and enhancing ports competitiveness.”

In addition to its £250 million shore power investment in the UK, NatPower Marine is unlocking £10 billion in global investment. Targeting 120 electrified port locations by 2030 with shore power and high-capacity electric charging infrastructure. The network is designed to help the maritime sector meet tightening regulatory targets under the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and regional Emissions Control Areas (ECAs).

“We are creating the infrastructure to future-proof the maritime sector, from ferries to containerships, to cruising ships,” said Sommadossi. “From Liverpool to Hong Kong and beyond, this network will allow global shipping to plug in, convert to sustainable electric fuel, an immediate opportunity for saving and decarbonising without compromise for a greener future.”

Wah Kwong is investing in shipping decarbonisation with several initiatives under Venture Energy, including the first e-methanol bunkering ship in Shanghai.

Photo credit: NatPower Marine
Published: 5 September, 2025