Aberdeen Harbour and bp will join forces to identify and develop projects that could reduce emissions and lower air and noise pollution from vessels calling to the Scottish port.
The partners have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), under which they will explore opportunities in service of their net zero ambitions, including the potential for a pilot project to supply shore power that will allow vessels to turn off main engines while in port to reduce emissions and noise.
In addition, the two parties will examine the zero or low carbon power supply to all vessels in port over time and they will also explore the use of hydrogen as a clean marine fuel.
Furthermore, the partnership aims in helping to position the harbour support offshore wind developments as well as their associated operations and maintenance phase.
The Senior Vice President of bp North Sea, Emeka Emembolu noted, “For nearly 30 years, Aberdeen Harbour has provided bp with world-class facilities in support of our North Sea oil and gas operations and we are delighted to be strengthening that relationship in a way that we believe will help further the net zero ambitions of both organisations.
“We will be bringing bp’s core skills in solving complex energy problems to a progressive and highly capable port that is uniquely positioned to play an integral part in Scotland’s energy transition,” continued Emembolu.
Aberdeen Harbour’s South Harbour expansion project moves towards the operational commissioning phase and the European port estimates that the upgraded infrastructure will play an mimportant role in meeting Scotland’s net zero ambitions and the greening of the maritime industry.
For bp, the agreement builds on its partnership with Aberdeen City Council, which seeks to help the local authority achieve its net zero strategic infrastructure plan and vision to become a climate positive city.
The UK-based energy company was recently announced as the preferred bidder to form a new hydrogen hub joint venture with Aberdeen City Council following a competitive procurement process that, according to a statement, it aims to create Scotland’s first scalable hydrogen production facility, incorporating solar power, green hydrogen production and a refuelling facility for public transport.
“This collaboration with bp comes at a significant time for Aberdeen Harbour, and combined with our multi-million-pound investments into our infrastructure and established three-stranded Green Port strategy, propels us into being Scotland’s leading port for energy transition,” stated Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board.
“Reducing emissions from vessels berthed in the port and providing low carbon power supplies will be critical to achieving a green maritime industry and requires innovative thinking and practices,” he added.
