Port of Aberdeen to become UK's first net zero port following £55 investment
It's expected that shore power and future fuels will drive emissions down
Last updated 29th Jan 2024
The Port of Aberdeen is investing £55 million to become the UK's first net zero port, following on from more than half a billion pounds of investment in infrastructure improvements.
The new investment will come over the next decade, with the port ambitiously aiming to be net zero by 2040.
Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive, Port of Aberdeen, said: "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."
Mr Sanguinetti continued: "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.
"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."
Shore power at the heart of the transition
The port's net zero strategy focuses on collaborating with stakeholders across the private and public sectors to reduce emissions in the port, facilitate future low carbon fuels and support the energy transition.
The introduction of shore power at scale, starting with first power at three berths in 2024, and facilitating low carbon alternative fuels for client vessels are expected to generate significant reductions in emissions in the years to come.
The port has already taken action to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, starting with the roll-out of electric vehicles and installation of LED lighting on the quaysides.
A wide range of projects are now underway or planned, 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.
Government approval
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Mairi 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."
'A long way to go'
Naveed Qamar, Head of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality, said: "Aberdeen has a leading role to play in the UK maritime industry’s path to net zero.
"All the major energy operator and supply chain companies are on our doorstep, and we have a common goal – reducing emissions and achieving net zero.
"There is a long way to go in delivering our 2040 ambition but I’m confident we can deliver it through our net zero strategy."