MONTROSE Port Authority (MPA) has reached a major milestone by supplying 1 gigawatt hour (GWh) of clean energy through its Plug Montrose shore power facility.
Working out at the equivalent of powering 100,037 homes for a day, the achievement spotlights MPA’s ambition to become Scotland’s first carbon neutral port.
MPA revealed it was the first port in the UK to adopt large-scale shore power self-funded, enabling offshore energy supply vessels to connect to the port’s grid and draw electricity certified with a renewable energy guarantee of origin (REGO).
This allows vessels to connect to the facility and switch off their traditional diesel engines while berthed at port, significantly reducing emissions. With its high-power capability, Plug Montrose also allows ships to remain fully operational while connected, powering onboard systems ‘safely and efficiently’.
Plug Montrose went live in April 2024 when Norwegian anchor handler vessel, Magne Viking, a Viking Supply Ships vessel managed by Sea1 Offshore, became the first vessel to connect. 18 months on, the facility has supplied 1GWh of power, demonstrating the proactive role ports can play in supporting national net zero targets.
MPA self-funded the service through a 50/50 £1 million joint venture with Plug Shore Power Limited, the UK arm of Norwegian shore power specialists, Plug AS. As a trust port, all profits MPA makes are reinvested back into the port’s infrastructure and wider community.
Scottish Government cabinet secretary for climate action and energy, Gillian Martin, said, “Reducing the emissions of Scotland’s businesses and industries is one of the most important steps we can take to tackle climate change, and is a key action in our recently published draft climate change plan. I have seen first-hand the hard work and commitment of Montrose Port in their actions to decarbonise when I visited them last month – and their shore power facility is a great example of the port authority leading the sector in investing in clean energy.”
Following the success of Plug Montrose at Berths 1 and 2 in April 2024, MPA expanded the service by electrifying Berth 3 earlier this year. 30% of berths at Montrose Port now offer shore power and MPA plans to electrify all berths as part of future quay improvement plans.
MPA CEO Tom Hutchison added, “I’m immensely proud of the impact that Plug Montrose has had. Reaching 1GWh of power supplied through shore power in just 18 months is a testament to all the hard work of the teams involved. We’ve already set a benchmark for the future and hope this is one of many milestones on our journey to become Scotland’s first carbon-neutral port.”
The vessel that received the facility’s 1GWh milestone was Viking Supply Ships’ Brage Viking (sister to the Magne Viking), which was upgraded earlier this year to enable it to connect to shore power, indicating the industry demand for the facility.
Sustainability Director of Sea1 Offshore, Jon August Houge, commented, “Sea1 Offshore’s Environmental Management Plan requires that all Sea1-managed vessels should connect to shore power where and when possible. We are therefore pleased to have the opportunity to connect to shore power in the UK and Montrose Port in particular for the Viking Supply Ships vessels.
“Not only does this reduce global GHG emissions but also eliminates local air pollution around the port and removes noise onboard while berthed. Having already seen the success of shore power implementation in Norway, we encourage other ports in the UK to consider the installation of shore power for offshore vessels as well.”
