THE build of Scotland’s largest commercial shore power system is underway at Port of Aberdeen as part of a £4 million project designed to supply clean electricity to vessels at seven berths.
PowerCon is leading the delivery of the system, with the installation including connecting the modular shore power system to the grid as well as establishing quayside connection points via mobile cable reels.
Vessels will receive clean, grid-powered electricity under the port’s renewable energy tariff while berthed at Albert Quay and Means Quay in the port’s North Harbour. This allows vessels to shut off their main and auxiliary engines while at berth and reduce their carbon emissions by more than 80% compared to marine gas oil usage, and significantly lower particulates, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and noise.
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with a consortium of technology and innovation centres, engineering specialists, state-of-the-art vessel owners and operators, a university and research centre, as well as public sector bodies.
The project will evaluate both land-side and vessel-side power infrastructure construction and performance, along with a commercial analysis to assess the financial and socio-economic benefits for the port and its stakeholders. Building on prior funding for a feasibility study, the project has outlined the system design for demonstration-scale shore power facilities. Additionally, the partners will analyse the broader impact of transitioning to greener power within the port.
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen, said, “We are delighted to be breaking ground on this project, which is pivotal on our journey to net zero by 2040. This is a great example of public and private partnership to drive forward advances in delivering green infrastructure for ports.”
Peter Selway, shore power specialist at PowerCon, added, “Aberdeen is at the forefront of renewable and sustainable energy initiatives. We hope this project will provide substantial commercial and environmental benefits for the port, its surrounding wildlife, and the local community.”
Port of Aberdeen is investing up to £55 million over 10 years to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040. Two areas of the port’s North Harbour, Albert Quay West and Commercial Quay West, are already benefiting from shore power facilities, supporting operational activities for our renewable energy customers and towage providers.
