The Port of Aberdeen is to invest £55 million over the next ten years to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040. The Port Authority said that in order to reach its goal it will focus on reducing emissions from vessels visiting the port as well as its own operations.
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 key elements in Port of Aberdeen’s plans.
The Port will measure its emissions against a 2019 baseline, with 55,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emitted. Additionally, the port is measuring performance against a carbon intensity metric based on gross vessel tonnage, once the new Aberdeen South Harbour development has been fully operational for 12 months.
The Port Authority reported that ‘a wide range of projects are now underway or planned’, including the trial of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for port-owned vessels and equipment and also exploring the feasibility of onsite energy generation for the port estate.
The £55 million net zero commitment comes after the port has already invested more than half a billion pounds in infrastructure in recent years. This includes the South Harbour expansion.
