Port of Aberdeen investing £55 million to become UK’s first net zero port

Port of Aberdeen today (28 April) announced its commitment to invest £55 million over the next 10 years to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040.

This means being an exemplar and targeting net zero emissions from vessels visiting the port (scope 3), as well as the port’s own operations (scope 1 and 2).

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Mairi McAllan said: “I very much welcome Port of Aberdeen’s Net Zero strategy and congratulate them on making this important investment in their future.”

This ambitious 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.

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. You can read more about the port's emissions and net zero strategy 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. Achieving success in these areas will require a phased approach and strong partnerships with stakeholders, investors, and vessel owners.

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.

Aberdeen has positioned itself as a leading port for collaboration on maritime decarbonisation, securing funding and partnering on the first three rounds of the Department for Transport's Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, and working with industry partners on innovative green projects.

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 transformational South Harbour expansion which will unlock growth opportunities in the energy transition, including offshore wind, hydrogen, and decommissioning.

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.

“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.

“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.

Ms McAllan continued: “I very much welcome Port of Aberdeen’s Net Zero strategy and congratulate them on making this important investment in their future.

 “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.

 “I wish Port of Aberdeen every success as they aim for their ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2040.”

Naveed Qamar, Head of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality, said: “Aberdeen has a leading role to play in the UK maritime industry’s path to net zero. All the major energy operator and supply chain companies are on our doorstep, and we have a common goal – reducing emissions and achieving net zero.

“There is a long way to go in delivering our 2040 ambition but I’m confident we can deliver it through our net zero strategy.”