Innovation rarely happens at speed. In fact, when it comes to major challenges such as the transition to net zero, it can take a LONG time. As a University, we're accelerating it by getting the right people in the right place at the right time.
In the case of this challenge, that place is the Short Straits: the 21 miles between the Kent coast and northern France which acts as the cornerstone of UK-EU trade. It's here that partners Port of Dover, P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries, Schneider Electric, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Ikigai Capital, JG Maritime Solutions, SSE, ABB and AVL are collaborating with us to create a 'green corridor' between the UK and Europe and set a leading example for the electrification of the maritime sector.
When it comes to overcoming a challenge, our University brings what no one else can.
Kent Business School forms a consortium with Port of Dover, P&O Ferries, Schneider Electric, and Warwick Manufacturing Group. Together we scope out a winning project that will explore the possibility of the electrification of ferries locally.
The team develop innovative tools to help the port/ferry operators to understand the scale of the challenge ahead and the developments needed to address it. We draw up a roadmap towards net zero emissions for the port and outline a future project.
We join DFDS, Irish Ferries, Ikigai Capital, JG Maritime Solutions, SSE and ABB to propose a new project which will further explore the feasibility of a a 'green corridor' between the Port of Dover and the Ports of Calais and Dunkirk.
KBS support the team to assess the emissions of potential future fuels for both ferries and port infrastructure. They also identify relevant regulations and policy measures needed to deliver a green corridor, and produce a business plan and roadmap.
Momentum and relationships developed through previous projects enable Kent Business School to respond quickly to this limited-time opportunity and secure funding to further collaborate with AVL and DFDS.
The team develop a dashboard to help DFDS consider ship, propulsion and battery systems across a wide range of operating scenarios. This will inform their strategic and operation decision-making process for the deployment of new electric ferries.
We support two successful applications: one which aims to advance former modelling work with DFDS; the second to address the skills gap that could limit the port and ferry operators' ability to deliver future electrification plans.
Kent Business School, Port of Dover and DFDS launch a new maritime cluster bringing together key partners from across the Short Straits to support skills, drive innovation, and economic growth at the Port.
We work with DFDS, AVL, the University of Warwick and Opintels Solutions to create models that will help DFDS optimise their operations, performance and business case of channel crossing e-vessels deployed at short straits.
We work with Dover Harbour Board and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce to identify the skills and associated training infrastructure required to support future investments in electrification at the Port.
Dr Ramin Raeesi
Our work is supporting the UK’s commitment to the Clydebank Declaration agreed at COP 26, and ultimately help meet the zero emission shipping ambitions of the UK’s ‘Clean Maritime Plan’, envisaging the UK as a global leader in clean shipping by 2050.
Our collaboration with Dover Harbour Board goes beyond electrification of the port and its ferries. Here are some other ways we've worked together to overcome challenges affecting the Port and the wider region.
This Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Dover Harbour Board saw Professors Jesse O'Hanley, Kathy Kotiadis and Maria Paola Scaparra work with the Port to solve traffic issues.
This second KTP with Dover Harbour Board saw CELSA researchers model scenarios, including check-in and border processes, to help the Port
In 2025, we formed a cluster with Dover Harbour Board and DFDS to formalise our shared strategic approach to boosting skills, innovation and training in the maritime sector.
