Lerwick Port Authority, in partnership with CMAL and ABB, is expanding its shore power infrastructure at Holmsgarth Berth 3 to enable NorthLink vessels to plug directly into clean electricity during port calls. This 14-month initiative cuts vessel emissions and noise while alongside, successfully linking sustainable shore power for overnight ferry crossings between Aberdeen and Shetland.
Lerwick, Shetland | July 27, 2026 – Lerwick Harbour is cementing its status as a trailblazer in clean port infrastructure. The port authority has officially launched a strategic expansion of its shore power capabilities, enabling NorthLink passenger and freight vessels to plug directly into local electricity networks while berthed at Holmsgarth Berth 3.
Developed in close collaboration with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) and backed by Transport Scotland, the high-profile project marks a critical milestone in Scotland’s maritime decarbonization roadmap.
Cutting Emissions at Berth via Shore Power
Once operational, the shore power system will allow NorthLink ferries to completely shut down their auxiliary diesel generators while alongside. By drawing electricity directly from the harbor’s network, vessels will eliminate local emissions during port calls.
According to Stuart Garrett, Managing Director of Serco NorthLink Ferries Ltd, the development closes a vital geographic loop for the operator’s lifeline services:
“Plugging into the Lerwick scheme means our overnight vessels sailing between Aberdeen and Lerwick can now use clean electrical power on both sides of their crossing. Turning off our engines in port significantly cuts emissions and noise, immediately improving air quality for terminal users and the community.”
The initiative builds upon strong precedents across Scotland. NorthLink has successfully utilized shore power in Stromness for four years, while a similar high-profile system went live at Aberdeen’s Jamieson’s Quay in early 2026.
Collaborative Engineering and Future-Proofing
The project carries an estimated 14-month timeline from the initial contract award, anchored by a robust multi-party partnership:
- Design & Engineering: Arch Henderson (a company of Haskoning) is leading design and construction management.
- Civil Works: Frank L Johnston (Shetland) Ltd has already broken ground on initial civil engineering works, expected to span roughly three and a half months.
- Electrical & Mechanical Integration: ABB Marine & Ports UK (ABB) is scheduled to arrive on-site later in the year to handle system design, installation, testing, and commissioning.
Crucially, the funding package also encompasses advanced civil engineering provisions to extend shore power capabilities to incoming Freight Flex Ferries once they are delivered.
Keith Pillay, Local Division Manager UK at ABB Marine & Ports Division, emphasized the broader regional impact:
“This investment demonstrates the port’s commitment to decarbonising maritime operations and supporting sustainable vessel transitions. Projects like this reinforce Scotland’s leadership in clean maritime infrastructure and align with the industry’s Net Zero ambitions.”
Surging Demand for Green Port Operations
The expansion directly responds to skyrocketing demand for cold-ironing solutions across Lerwick’s waterfront. At Mair’s Pier alone, high-capacity shore power connections have delivered nearly 9 gigawatt-hours of electricity since installation, with annual consumption averaging approximately 1.7 gigawatt-hours in recent years.
Capt. Calum Grains, Chief Executive of Lerwick Port Authority, noted that the project underscores the port’s long-term environmental vision:
“We have seen significant growth in the use of shore power across the harbour in recent years and this latest development will expand that capability further, while supporting decarbonisation across port operations, transitioning to a low-carbon future and achieving Net Zero aims.”
About Lerwick Harbour
Positioned at the strategic crossroads of the North Sea and the Northeast Atlantic, Lerwick is Scotland’s most northerly commercial harbor. Operating 24/7 across all weathers, the sheltered, deep-water port handles over 5,000 vessels annually and serves as an economic cornerstone for the Shetland Islands. Key sectors include:
- Fisheries: A modern hub for whitefish and pelagic fish landings and processing.
- Energy: A strategically located support base for offshore oil & gas projects and future wind initiatives.
- Decommissioning: High-capacity, deep-water quays equipped for heavy industrial dismantling.
- Tourism & Trade: A popular sub-arctic cruise destination and the operational lifeline for daily passenger and freight links to the UK mainland.
Source: Lerwick Harbour