MEPC 83: Policy Must Catch Up with Progress, Says NatPower Marine CEO

Photo Caption: Stefano Sommadossi, CEO NatPower Marine

As the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee prepares to meet in London from 7 to 11 April, NatPower Marine is urging regulators to keep pace with what is already happening across the maritime sector. While global frameworks are still under negotiation, industry leaders are not standing still.

“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,” says Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower Marine. “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. But we’re not just building new systems. We’re also stepping in to manage and optimise underused infrastructure. Too many port electrification projects have stalled due to a lack of operational know-how. We will bring the investment, technology and management expertise to ensure the system works and continues to work.

“Ports, cities, passengers and cargo owners are all demanding cleaner operations. In some port cities, ships contribute up to 35 per cent of urban air pollution,” Sommadossi adds. “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.

“We don’t just build infrastructure,” Sommadossi explains. “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 at NatPower Marine, adds: “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.

“Electrification isn’t just the right move; it’s a competitive edge,” says Sommadossi. “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.”

■ Contact: NatPower Marine https://natpower.uk/