Port of Aberdeen announces £55m investment to become net-zero by 2040

Over the next 10 years, the Port of Aberdeen will invest £55m (U$68.5m) to become the first net-zero port in the UK by 2040. In addition to decarbonizing the port’s own operations, it is also aiming to achieve net-zero emissions for vessels visiting the port.

To turn the net-zero target into a reality, the Port of Aberdeen will collaborate with stakeholders in the private and public sectors to reduce emissions by facilitating the use of next-generation low-carbon fuels and supporting a transition toward cleaner forms of energy.

The port will track its progress toward net-zero by measuring its emissions against 2019 levels – these were 55,000 metric tons of CO_2-equivalent emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3, with 97% of these emissions generated by 9,500 vessels arriving at the port, recorded as Scope 3 emissions.

The port will also measure its performance against a carbon intensity metric based on gross vessel tonnage once the Aberdeen South Harbour development has been fully operational for one year.

Shore power will be installed at scale within the port, beginning in 2024 with power at three berths. The port will also facilitate the use of low-carbon alternative fuels for visiting vessels to further reduce emissions. To date, the port has already begun to introduce electric vehicles and LED lighting on quaysides to reduce its environmental impact. Several other projects – planned or currently underway – include hydrotreated vegetable oil being trialled within port-owned vessels and equipment, in addition to on-site energy generation for the port estate being explored.

“Today we launched our net-zero strategy with the aim of becoming the UK’s first net-zero port by 2040,” said Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive, Port of Aberdeen. “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.”

“The Scottish government is committed to the decarbonization of the transport sector in a sustainable way, and the maritime sector has a vital role to play,” explained Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition. “An efficient and effective offshore energy sector is crucial for a robust economy, and our work to decarbonize the maritime sector will take account of the critical importance of this sector in our supply infrastructure.”