A 'green' power project is set to begin at the Stromness dock in Orkney as part of a low carbon travel and transport project for the town.

The project will supply locally produced 'green' electrical power to the MV Hamnavoe NorthLink ferry while docked in Stromness, becoming the first large commercial ship shore connection in the UK.

This power supply system, known as 'cold ironing', will cut the current overnight carbon footprint from the vessel's diesel generators and engines, lowering the MV Hamnavoe's fuel consumption by at least 500 tonnes a year and resulting in a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2). It will also make a contribution towards further reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and noise.

The ferry, which is a shipping lifeline for the island connecting it with the rest of Scotland, will be £160,000 cheaper to service each year as a result of the project. The project is expected to fully pay for itself in three years' time through efficiencies and cost savings.

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The shoreside installation work is being carried out by Schneider Electric, a market leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation. The project will see the installation of a cable connection system to the ship to provide overnight shore power, pier cables and a transformer upgrade - with the power coming through Orkney's renewable energy resources.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: "It is fantastic to see continued progress towards low carbon and sustainable transportation in Orkney thanks to Scottish Government and European Regional Development funding. The innovative ship shore connection at Stromness utilises local renewable energy to help decarbonise the MV Hamnavoe, which will contribute to improved air quality and reduced emissions in the area. The Stromness Multi-modal Low Carbon and Active Travel Hub, further demonstrates the commitment in Orkney to capitalise on a range of sustainable e-mobility options which will benefit health and the environment."

£670,000 of funding was secured for the project from the European Regional Development Fund in August last year, with additional funding coming from the Council's Miscellaneous Piers and Harbours fund and HITRANS.

The European Regional Development Fund element came from its Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund, a capital fund that aims to facilitate the delivery of active travel and low carbon hubs and paths. The Stromness project was the most northerly of nine projects to receive funding in the last round.