Port of Aberdeen investing £55 million to become UK’s first net zero port
02 May 2023
The Port of Aberdeen has announced its commitment to invest £55 million over the next 10 years to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040. The aim of the investment is to reduce emissions from vessels visiting the port as well as emissions from the port’s own operations.
Image: Port of Aberdeen
The target is at the core of the Port of Aberdeen’s net zero strategy which 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, it said in a statement.
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.”
To track its progress towards net zero, Port of Aberdeen 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. You can read more about the port's emissions and net zero strategy by clicking here.
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.
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 which will unlock growth opportunities in the energy transition, including offshore wind, hydrogen, and decommissioning, the Port said.
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.”
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