Page 42: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Nov/Dec 2023)

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ENERGY TRANSITION PORTS & ENERGY LOGISTICS

Shore Power Advancements private sectors remain crucial to realizing this initiative

Decarbonizing port infrastructure and vessels is integral and scaling up emissions reductions, aligning with Port of to the UK's pursuit of net zero emissions. Shore power is Aberdeen’s Net Zero Strategy and supporting supply chain considered the leading solution to reduce vessel emissions emissions reduction efforts.

at berth, showcasing high technological readiness while en- Port of Aberdeen's multimillion pound 'Shore Power suring adaptability for hybrid or fully electric vessels in the in Operation' initiative – a consortium between Port of future. This approach promises reduced CO2 emissions Aberdeen and Connected Places Catapult, DOF Subsea, and diminished noise pollution. Tidewater Marine UK Ltd, OSM Thome, The University

Shore power encompasses onshore electrical infrastruc- of Manchester’s Tyndall Centre, and supported by major ture, vessel electrical systems, and seamless connection energy operators – represents Scotland's inaugural large mechanisms for safe and uninterrupted power transmis- scale landside and vessel side shore power system. Sched- sion. This involves onboard systems for powering essen- uled for completion by March 2025, the project will in- tial vessel equipment and automated processes for effcient troduce shore power facilities at seven berths on Albert power transfer between the vessel's power plant and the and Mearns Quays in the port's North Harbor, reducing onshore source. emissions from vessels utilizing shore power provisions by

Vessel emissions have historically been hard to abate, over 80% at berth compared to traditional marine fuel, however, Port of Aberdeen is taking signifcant and sus- resulting in savings of 62,000 tons of CO2 equivalent over tained action to make this a reality. The port’s Clean Mari- two decades.

time Demonstration Competition Round One project re- This pioneering project serves as a catalyst for broader vealed that 78% of CO2 emissions in the port stem from adoption of green shore power across the port's North and vessels at berth, prompting a signifcant focus on shore South Harbors, potentially cutting total emissions at berth power implementation at seven berths. Projections suggest by 78%, equivalent to an annual reduction of 34,000 tons an annual mitigation of 3,100 tons of CO2 equivalent and of CO2 equivalent. substantial reductions in local noise and air pollution, and inhalable particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10), Low and Zero Carbon Fuels following the full rollout of shore power and subsequent Low and zero carbon fuels play a pivotal role in the de- decarbonization of the UK grid. carbonization journey of the offshore energy industry. Di-

Capital costs for shore power for ports are high and need versifying the energy mix with renewable and sustainable to be recouped through electricity sales. However, this is fuels and transitioning to low or zero carbon fuels will be challenging due to the current misalignment of economic essential to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. incentives. Collaboration and funding from public and Facilitation of future low or zero carbon fuels will re- 42 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM