What inspired you to lead NatPower Marine’s mission toward sustainable shipping?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : I’ve always believed the greatest opportunities for impact lie where innovation meets necessity. My background has always been in developing large-scale infrastructure projects that deliver measurable value not only economically, but environmentally.

When I looked at the maritime sector, I understood the value and urgency decarbonisation would have on health and the environment. The opportunity to build the world’s first integrated global network of shore power and charging solutions was too important to ignore. Leading NatPower Marine allows me to turn that vision into action, creating practical, scalable infrastructure that connects clean energy ambition to real-world change.

What’s the biggest environmental challenge facing shipping today?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : The challenge is infrastructure. Regulations are getting stronger, but vessels can’t plug in if ports aren’t ready. At NatPower Marine, we’re solving that by investing directly in global shore power infrastructure charging networks so ships can operate with zero emissions at berth and at sea.

How do you make cold ironing and propulsion charging scalable?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : Scalability comes from smart grids, storage, and standardisation. Our digital twins help ports manage energy demand efficiently, while advances in battery and hybrid propulsion make shore charging viable for shorter routes. The key is interoperability, creating one global system, not a thousand local ones.

How do you measure environmental impact?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : We measure success in real numbers, CO₂ saved, clean energy delivered, and percentage of emissions reduced per connection. Every new project gets us closer to that goal – zero emissions in port inland waters for the last mile.

What regulatory changes could accelerate the transition?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : Mandating shore power in major ports is essential but we also need funding and clear technical standards. The rules exist, but now governments and industry must work hand in hand to build what those rules require.

How does your financial model support this growth?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : Our Energy-as-a-Service model removes barriers. We finance, build, and operate clean infrastructure so ports and shipowners can decarbonise without upfront costs. The more vessels plug in, the stronger the return both economically and environmentally.

How do you make your solutions equitable for developing regions?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : We’re intentional about accessibility. We co-develop projects with local partners and multilateral institutions to ensure smaller ports benefit too. The energy transition must be global for true decarbonisation to be successful.

How critical are partnerships to NatPower Marine’s success?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : Partnerships are everything. From our joint venture with Wah Kwong in Asia to our MOU with Shandong Port Group in China and our collaboration with Peel Ports in the UK, we’re building alliances that create real momentum for decarbonisation.

What do you want NatPower Marine to achieve by 2040?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : Our goal is a connected global network of 120 clean charging points, linking continents through zero-emission corridors. But more than numbers, it’s about changing perception — proving the energy transition is not a cost, but an opportunity to make the world a better place for future generations.

What’s your call to action for the industry?
Stefano D. M. Sommadossi : Act now, and act together. Electrifying short-sea routes and port operations is achievable today. Every port that connects and every vessel that plugs in takes us one step closer to a net-zero maritime future.