The Port of Aberdeen has received funding from the UK government for a multi-million pound project to design and deliver the first large-scale landside and vessel-side shore power system in Scotland.
Over the next 20 years, the demonstrator project is anticipated to reduce vessel emissions at ports by more than 80 per cent compared to using marine fuel and save more than 60,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Importantly, ‘Shore Power in Operation’ will pave the path for the implementation of green shore power across North Harbour.
This might reduce overall emissions at the port by 78 per cent, resulting in an annual reduction of 34,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Details of the ‘Shore Power in Operation’ project, which is part of the DfT’s Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, were revealed during London International Shipping Week.
The project follows a successful feasibility study financed by the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) that was completed in March 2022.
The new funding will see the design and installation of shore power facilities at seven berths on Albert Quay and Mearns Quay in the port’s North Harbour which will be operational by April 2025.
Shore power is often regarded as the most effective method of reducing vessel emissions at berth.
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The benefits include cleaner air, lower CO2 emissions, and reduced noise. The port is also working with corporate and public sector partners to develop future low and zero carbon fuel options for customer vessels.
Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive, Port of Aberdeen, said: “Partnership between the public and private sectors is essential to decarbonise the maritime industry. Aberdeen has firmly established itself as a port of choice for innovation and collaboration in this area and the ZEVI funding further strengthens our position.
“We have a bold ambition to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040 and are investing £55 million ($68 million) over the next 10 years to turn this into reality.
“Shore power is critical to achieving our ambition and we look forward to working with our industry partners to deliver this ground-breaking emissions reduction project.”
