KBS Maritime has successfully delivered a new mobile low-voltage substation at His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth, strengthening electrical resilience while supporting a more sustainable approach to infrastructure delivery.
Completed in April 2026 following a two-year programme, the project – valued at over half a million pounds – introduces a flexible and rapidly deployable power solution designed to support maintenance, upgrades and network changes across the site without unnecessary disruption.
The mobile substation operates as a fully functional distribution node that can be deployed wherever power is needed. It supports voltage levels between 400–690V, with busbar ratings up to 7,300A and short-circuit withstand capability up to 150kA.
Mounted on a 20-foot trailer and weighing approximately 4,000kg, the unit can be towed into position and brought into service within hours, allowing electrical supply to be maintained while essential works are carried out.
As the wider infrastructure programme continues across HMNB Portsmouth, maintaining continuity of power while reducing environmental impact is increasingly important. The introduction of a mobile substation supports both, enabling a more efficient approach to delivery while minimising disruption to the wider network.
The solution also reduces reliance on temporary generator hire, helping to lower emissions, reduce fuel use and provide a more sustainable and consistent approach to temporary power provision.
The unit was delivered in partnership with Actemium, who designed and built the substation and supported testing and commissioning. KBS Maritime ensured the asset was fully integrated into operations through structured training, documentation and handover, supporting long-term performance.
This project demonstrates KBS Maritime’s role as a strategic integration partner, managing naval base infrastructure as a single, through-life asset. By taking this approach, KBS Maritime helps defence organisations modernise complex estates, strengthen resilience, reduce operational risk and deliver long-term social and environmental value across the fleet support lifecycle.
