Scotland's most extensive maritime decarbonisation project is now operational at Port of Aberdeen, providing green shore power to vessels docked at eight berths within the port's North Harbour. This landmark initiative allows ships to connect directly to the port's renewable energy tariff, eliminating the need to run their fossil fuel auxiliary engines while at berth. The move is set to significantly reduce fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, pollution, and noise.

For Port of Aberdeen, a Trust Port deeply embedded within its community and with an ambitious target of achieving net-zero by 2040, the impact of this new infrastructure will be substantial.

The advanced infrastructure, installed by PowerCon, a leader in shore power technology, is projected to cut up to 60,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent over the next 20 years. This reduction is comparable to removing the annual emissions of approximately 2,140 cars from the road.

The first vessel to utilise the new system was OSM Thome's NS Iona, one of five vessels retrofitted specifically for shore power connectivity as part of this pioneering project.

The newly electrified berths are a key component of the ‘Shore Power in Operation' demonstrator, a project supported by the Department for Transport's Zero Emissions, Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition. This competition is funded by the UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The joint public-private partnership at Port of Aberdeen represents a combined investment of £4 million in new clean energy infrastructure.

Beyond this major project, Port of Aberdeen has also installed shore power infrastructure at two Regent Quay berths to service vessels involved in Bibby Marine's electric Service Operation Vessel ZEVI project. Additionally, work is nearing completion on shore power facilities for Serco NorthLink's passenger ferries, funded by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited. These additions enhance the port's existing shore power capabilities, which already support operational activities for its renewable energy clients and towage providers.


Looking ahead, Port of Aberdeen plans to expand its shore power infrastructure further, aiming to supply green electricity to more berths across its extensive 7,600 metres of quayside. Recent research from the Tyndall Centre also highlights how changes in UK Government policy could accelerate the deployment of shore power at other ports nationwide.

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, underscored the significance of the investment. "It represents a £4 million investment in clean energy and will be a game-changer for Port of Aberdeen and our valued customers, who will benefit from an 80% reduction in their carbon emissions while at berth," he stated.

Mr Sanguinetti emphasised the port's role in the wider energy transition: "We're in the business of clean energy, and we're driving and supporting the energy transition in the North Sea. That's why it's so important that we're leading from the front – investing in the future of the port and a cleaner, greener way of working which benefits our environment, community and customers as we strive for net zero by 2040." He concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration: "Public and private sector partnership is essential to move green infrastructure projects from feasibility studies and demonstrators to deployment at scale."

Minister Kane added: "We have charted a course to zero emission shipping by 2050, and it's innovative projects like this that will help get us there. But decarbonisation isn't just good for the environment, it's good for jobs and for the economy, with green fuels and technology boosting growth and revitalising our coastal towns and cities."

The ‘Shore Power in Operation' project is part of the ZEVI competition, launched in February 2023. This UK Government-funded initiative, delivered with Innovate UK, allocated over £80 million to 10 flagship projects across the UK, demonstrating real-world clean maritime solutions.

Port of Aberdeen led an industry and academic consortium to deliver this groundbreaking initiative, including OSM Offshore, Tidewater Marine UK Ltd, Connected Places Catapult, and the University of Manchester's Tyndall Centre, with support from Buro Happold and Energy Systems Catapult.

Peter Selway, Shore Power Specialist at PowerCon, expressed pride in their involvement. "PowerCon is extremely proud to be part of this landmark project. Pollution from vessels is a serious—yet often overlooked—environmental and public health issue. For example, vessels at berth account for 46% of greenhouse gas emissions from domestic shipping, and shore power has the potential to eliminate these emissions entirely," he noted.

"Shore connection technology is well-established and widely used internationally, but the UK has been slow to adopt it despite the clear and compelling benefits. Port of Aberdeen is leading by example, showing real commitment to renewable, sustainable solutions, and we're delighted to support them on that journey," Mr Selway added.