Port of Aberdeen spending $69m to become UK’s first net zero port
The Scottish port of Aberdeen is targeting net zero emissions from vessels visiting the port, as well as the port’s own operations, by 2040m, announcing plans to spend £55m ($69m) 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).
Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of the port, 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.”
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 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.
