The Port of Aberdeen has a commited to invest £55m over the next 10 years to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040.
This means targeting net zero emissions from vessels visiting the port (Scope 3), as well as the port’s own operations (Scope 1 and 2).
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 across Scope 1, 2, and 3.
Notably, 97% of emissions were attributed to 9,500 vessel arrivals, recorded as Scope 3.
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 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 range of projects are now underway or planned, such as the trial of hydro-treated vegetable oil for port-owned vessels and equipment and exploring the feasibility of onsite energy generation for the port estate.
The new net zero commitment comes after the port has already invested more than £500m on infrastructure in recent years, including the South Harbour expansion, which should unlock growth opportunities in offshore wind, hydrogen and decommissioning.
The port's chief executive Bob Sanguinetti said: “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.
“Port of Aberdeen can play a pivotal role in the emergence of green economic growth in the wider maritime industry and support new, high-quality jobs.“
Net Zero and Just Transition Secretary Mairi McAllan said: “The Scottish Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the transport sector in a sustainable way, and the maritime sector has a vital role to play.
“An efficient and effective offshore energy sector is crucial for a robust economy, and our work to decarbonise the maritime sector will take account of the critical importance of this sector in our supply infrastructure.”
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