Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP and the Port of Aberdeen have hosted an industry roundtable with key Scottish representatives about the ambitions, challenges and insights for the future of maritime.

In his opening remarks, Kane outlined his own vision – emphasising the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration between government and industry to ensure the UK remains a global leader.

With an ambition to be the UK's first net zero port by 2040, Port of Aberdeen has already undergone several transformations to become a leader in clean maritime.

Thanks to £3 million from the Department for Transport's Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, the port has officially started construction of Scotland's largest commercial shore power system.


Set to deliver its first power in March 2025, the system will supply clean electricity to vessels and reduce their carbon emissions at berth by more than 80% – keeping Aberdeen at the forefront of renewable and sustainable energy initiatives. 

During the visit, Minister Kane also walked the quayside at South Harbour, seeing the size and scale of the £420 million development up close, and took a trip round North Harbour on a pilot boat, joined by members of the port's marine team.

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: "We were delighted to welcome Minister Kane to Port of Aberdeen on his first visit to Scotland to see first hand how we are catalysing sustainable economic growth and driving energy transition.

"The ZEVI shore power demonstrator project is an important milestone on our road to net zero by 2040, and one of three ongoing projects to install shore power at nine berth berths.

"Developing green infrastructure at scale will require significant investment, public and private sector partnership, and legislation at a UK and international level."