THE Port of Aberdeen is to invest £55 million into becoming the UK’s first net-zero port by 2040.
Bosses at the port say they will work with both the public and private sector to reduce emissions in the port and facilitate future low-carbon fuels.
It is believed the introduction of shore power – electrical power provided to a ship while it is at berth – at scale, starting with the three berths in 2024, will help generate significant reductions in emissions in the years to come.
The port has already rolled out electrical vehicles and LED lighting on its quaysides as part of efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
A wide range of projects are also underway or planned for the future, such as the trial of hydrotreated vegetable oil for port-owned vessels and equipment and exploring the feasibility of onsite energy generation for the port estate.
It comes after more than a half a billion pounds was invested into the port’s infrastructure in recent years, including the South Harbour expansion which is set to provide more opportunity for growth in offshore wind, hydrogen and decommissioning.
Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive at Port of Aberdeen, said: “Our vision is to become Scotland’s premier net-zero port, offering world-class facilities and services, at the heart of the nation’s energy transition. We must be bold and ambitious to achieve this.
“Today we launched our net-zero strategy with the aim of becoming the UK’s first net-zero port by 2040. Strong partnerships and investment across the public and private sectors are essential to deliver this transformational change which will deliver significant benefits for the environment, local communities, and wider maritime sector.
“Port of Aberdeen can play a pivotal role in the emergence of green economic growth in the wider maritime industry and support new, high-quality jobs."
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan said: “I very much welcome Port of Aberdeen’s net-zero strategy and congratulate them on making this important investment in their future.
“The Scottish Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the transport sector in a sustainable way, and the maritime sector has a vital role to play.
“An efficient and effective offshore energy sector is crucial for a robust economy, and our work to decarbonise the maritime sector will take account of the critical importance of this sector in our supply infrastructure.
“I wish Port of Aberdeen every success as they aim for their ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2040.”
The Scottish Government has previously stated that it wishes to make Aberdeen the net-zero capital of the world.
