Aberdeen, Scotland – Construction of Scotland’s largest commercial shore power system commenced on 08 August 2024 at the Port of Aberdeen as part of a £4 million project aimed at providing clean electricity to vessels across seven berths. This ambitious project, which marks a significant step towards sustainable port operations, is expected to deliver its first power by March 2025.
The ‘Shore Power in Operation’ demonstrator project, one of the first of its kind in the UK, was awarded match funding as part of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition. The initiative highlights the collaboration between public and private sectors in advancing green infrastructure for ports.
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating “We are delighted to be breaking ground on this project, which is pivotal on our journey to net zero by 2040. This is a great example of public and private partnership to drive forward advances in delivering green infrastructure for ports.”
The shore power system, often referred to as ‘cold-ironing,’ is being installed by PowerCon, a leader in shore power technology. The installation will involve connecting the modular shore power system to the grid and establishing quayside connection points via mobile cable reels.
This setup will allow vessels to receive clean, grid-powered electricity under the port’s renewable energy tariff while berthed at Albert Quay and Means Quay in the port’s North Harbour. By enabling vessels to shut off their main and auxiliary engines while at berth, the project will reduce carbon emissions by more than 80% compared to marine gas oil (MGO) usage. Additionally, it will significantly lower particulates, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), and noise.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane highlighted the importance of the project, saying “Decarbonising shipping is crucial to our plans of creating more sustainable jobs and a cleaner environment. Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in achieving this, putting the UK at the forefront of sustainable port technology and anchoring its position as a global leader in tackling climate change.”
This trailblazing initiative is being delivered in partnership with a consortium of technology and innovation centres, engineering specialists, state-of-the-art vessel owners and operators, a university and research centre, as well as public sector bodies. The project will evaluate both land-side and vessel-side power infrastructure construction and performance, along with conducting a commercial analysis to assess the financial and socio-economic benefits for the port and its stakeholders.
Building on prior funding for a feasibility study, this project has outlined the system design for demonstration-scale shore power facilities. The partners will also analyze the broader impact of transitioning to greener power within the port.
Peter Selway, Shore Power Specialist at PowerCon, commented on Aberdeen’s leadership in renewable energy, stating “Aberdeen is at the forefront of renewable and sustainable energy initiatives. We hope this project will provide substantial commercial and environmental benefits for the port, its surrounding wildlife, and the local community.”
Port of Aberdeen is making a substantial investment of up to £55 million over the next 10 years with the goal of becoming the UK’s first net zero port by 2040. It is notably the only UK port to be involved in three of the 10 projects supported by the Department for Transport’s ZEVI competition.
Two areas of the port’s North Harbour, Albert Quay West and Commercial Quay West, are already benefiting from shore power facilities, supporting operational activities for renewable energy customers and towage providers. In addition to the ‘Shore Power in Operation’ project, shore power technology is being installed on Regent Quay as part of Bibby Marine’s electric Service Operation Vessel ZEVI project. Additionally, work is underway to install shore power infrastructure for Serco NorthLink’s passenger ferries, funded by a substantial seven-figure investment from Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited.
Port of Aberdeen Net Zero Vision
Port of Aberdeen is committed to leading the transition to net zero within the maritime industry. As part of its long-term vision, the port is investing heavily in sustainable infrastructure and is involved in multiple pioneering projects to reduce carbon emissions and promote green energy. The port aims to be the first net zero port in the UK by 2040.
Source Port of Aberdeen