The Port of Leith has become the first large mainland commercial port in Scotland to provide a shore power connection.
The Victoria 1 is the first vessel to receive this kind of connection within the Imperial Dock in the Port of Leith.
The vessel can now switch off all its fossil fuel powered generators, and with Forth Ports’ electricity being provided through non fossil fuel generation, the port is making one step forward towards its journey to net-zero.
The electrical network in the port has also been extended and integrated to the vessel’s systems though a PSW Power & Automation shore power transformer.
The setup is being further developed in the port’s Harbour Berth where it will be offered to offshore construction vessels which use Leith as their home port.
The expansion will be online later this month as reported by the port’s recent statement.
READ: Port of Rotterdam secures shore power for Vlaardingen terminal
The Port of Leith is currently undergoing a major transformation to create Scotland’s largest renewable hub – including the development of a new deep water outer berth which will also be shore power enabled.
“As a business we are committed to reducing the emissions from our operations and we are encouraging shipping to do the same,” said David Webster, Director of Energy at Forth Ports.
“This major civil engineering project to introduce shore power in Leith is a significant milestone for our business in Scotland and we are pleased that the Victoria 1 is now powered by mains electricity.
“We look forward to offering shore power to our other vessels visiting the port in 2023.”
The project will play a key role in the export of hydrogen from Scotland to Rotterdam.
