Wah Kwong NatPower Holdings Limited (WK NatPower) on Monday (15 September) announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shandong Port Group (SPG) to develop large-scale shore power and ship charging projects.

WK NatPower is a new joint venture between Hong Kong shipowner Wah Kwong Maritime Transport and global clean infrastructure developer NatPower Marine launched early this month. 

The agreement begins with Qingdao Port International Co., Ltd., one of the world’s most automated terminals, and will explore new business models for electric vessels, establish technology and knowledge exchange, and lay the foundations for global green shipping corridors linking China and Europe.

A central objective of the MOU is to drive the electrification of ships, not only through the expansion of cold ironing to improve efficiency, but also by pioneering new applications for propulsion charging that will reduce reliance on fossil fuels at berth and at sea. 

Equally important is the commitment to share technology and experience, ensuring that the expertise developed at Shandong’s world-class ports and through WK NatPower’s global clean infrastructure projects can be exchanged to accelerate scalable and commercially viable solutions.

Under the agreement, WK NatPower and Shandong Port Group will collaborate in leveraging Shandong Port Group experience in shore power supply and support the further expansion of NatPower’s global shore power services network, connecting SPG’s ports in the global Green Corridors, delivering integrated, one-stop solutions for international shipping clients. 

This initiative will play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions across the maritime industry and accelerating the energy transition. The partnership will also prioritise the export and wider application of these solutions, starting with joint projects in Hong Kong and Mainland China and extending into Europe. Together, these efforts will enable the creation of interconnected green shipping corridors, transforming major trade routes into low-emission supply chains.

The partnership will accelerate the establishment and expansion of a global shore power services network, integrated, one-stop charging solutions for international shipping lines, reducing carbon emissions at scale and accelerating the energy transition across key global hubs.

“The strategic alliance with Qingdao Port is a major step in decarbonising global supply chains. By integrating our expertise and networks, we are building an ecosystem for green shipping and providing the industry with solutions towards net zero,” said Vincent Ni, General Manager of WK NatPower.

“This partnership with Shandong Port Group marks a pivotal moment in the journey to decarbonise global shipping. By combining NatPower’s international expertise with SPG’s leadership and scale, we are not only advancing shore power and electric propulsion in China but also setting the foundations for global green corridors that connect Asia and Europe. Together, we are turning ambition into action and creating the infrastructure that will power the next era of sustainable shipping,” said Stefano D.M. Sommadossi CEO, NatPower Marine UK and Joint Director, Wah Kwong NatPower Holding.

“This agreement strengthens our partnership and allows us to expand our cooperation in green energy. It is our shared vision to develop green port infrastructure and reduce emissions in shipping, which is central to establishing Qingdao as a leading international shipping centre,” said Zhang Baohua, General Manager of Qingdao Port International Co., Ltd.

Related: Wah Kwong and NatPower Marine launch Asia’s first zero-emission port power venture

Photo credit: WK NatPower
Published: 16 September, 2025