Scotland launches largest maritime decarbonisation project

Port of Aberdeen has officially launched its new shore power system – Scotland’s largest maritime decarbonisation initiative to date – which allows ships to switch off their fossil fuel engines while docked and connect instead to clean, low-carbon shore power. This transition significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality, and lowers noise levels in Aberdeen’s busy harbour.

“We are proud to be involved in this trail-blazing project, which uses
shore power to improve air quality for the people of Aberdeen and will help to cut greenhouse gases from the shipping sector,” said Dr Simon Bullock, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, The University of Manchester.

“Critically, our research illustrates that shore power projects could become the norm with greater support from the UK Government to lower electricity prices.”

Now live across five berths in North Harbour – with additional capacity
to expand – the installation is expected to reduce up to 60,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent over the next 20 years. This saving is equivalent to removing approximately 2,140 cars from the road each year. 

New Tyndall research also sets out how UK Government policy changes could support faster deployment of shore power at other ports.

The success of the project not only helps Aberdeen advance its ambition to become the
UK’s first net zero port by 2040 but also demonstrates the crucial role university research plays in real-world climate solutions. 

Dr Bullock and the Tyndall team’s sustained involvement from early research to full deployment highlights the lasting value of academic contributions to national decarbonisation efforts.

The project, known as Shore Power in Operation, is part of the UK Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, delivered through UK
SHORE and Innovate UK. 

With £4 million in funding and extensive collaboration between industry and academia, it represents a landmark public-private investment in cleaner port infrastructure.

Port of Aberdeen led the initiative in partnership with a broad consortium including OSM Offshore, Tidewater Marine UK Ltd, Connected Places Catapult, and researchers from the Tyndall Centre based in the University of Manchester, with support from Buro Happold and Energy Systems Catapult. PowerCon, a global leader in shore power solutions, delivered the on-site infrastructure.