2. Ground breaks on Scotland’s largest shorepower system

This £4 million project aims to provide clean electricity to vessels at seven berths, with the first power expected to be delivered by March 2025.

The ‘Shore Power in Operation’ demonstrator project, part of the UK Department for Transport’s Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure competition, received match funding and is one of the first initiatives of its kind in the UK.

“We are delighted to be breaking ground on this project, which is pivotal on our journey to net zero by 2040,” said Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive, Port of Aberdeen.

“This is a great example of public and private partnership to drive forward advances in delivering green infrastructure for ports.”

The system is being installed by shore power technology firm, PowerCon. It involves connecting a modular system to the grid and establishing quayside connection points via mobile cable reels.

This setup will allow berthed vessels at Albert Quay and Mearns Quay in the port’s North Harbour to switch off their engines and draw electricity from the grid, reducing carbon emissions by over 80% compared to traditional marine gas oil usage.

The initiative also promises significant reductions in noise and harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides.

“Aberdeen is at the forefront of renewable and sustainable energy initiatives,” said Peter Selway, shore power specialist, PowerCon.

“We hope this project will provide substantial commercial and environmental benefits for the port, its surrounding wildlife, and the local community.”

This effort is part of the Port of Aberdeen’s broader £55 million investment plan to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040.