Funded by Innovate UK, the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 2 aimed to determine the feasibility of decarbonising the Port of Aberdeen’s day-to-day operations. The study, which may have wider implications across the UK port sector aligns with the emissions reductions goals published in the Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Plan of 2019. The funded, pre-trial phase was delivered between October 2023 and March 2025, to demonstrate how ports can reduce emissions, improve competitiveness, and accelerate progress toward net zero.

Energy Systems Catapult supported this initiative by providing systems-level analysis, future scenario assessment, and tools to enable replication across the UK port sector.

The challenge

Transport is responsible for 24% of the UK’s CO2 emissions, while international shipping accounts for 5% of total transport emissions. Ports themselves are responsible for direct and indirect carbon emissions, from the use of shoreside infrastructure such as cranes and lighting, to cargo deliveries. Such activities present significant opportunities for decarbonisation.

The Port of Aberdeen plays a key role in international trade and is a key enabler within the local, regional and national supply chain. Aberdeen Harbour’s goal is to accelerate the transition to Net Zero by eliminating emissions by adapting and supporting the development and introduction of innovative technologies and processes. Decarbonisation of the port needs to consider a diverse range of stakeholders including customers, port users and industry organisations.

The solution

Energy Systems Catapult, working alongside Aberdeen Harbour, Buro Happold Engineering, and the Connected Places Catapult sought to understand future power demands at the Port of Aberdeen, and the use of low-carbon energy sources to power the port and third-party equipment.

The impact

The project generated critical insights for scaling shore power across the UK:

• System integration is key: shore power success depends on alignment between port operations, vessels and local energy systems.
• No one-size-fits-all solution: different port types require tailored approaches to infrastructure, business models and deployment pathways.
• Energy system constraints matter: grid capacity and future energy scenarios significantly affect viability.
• Collaboration is essential: multi-stakeholder coordination is a major determinant of success.
• Learning-by-doing accelerates progress: real-world demonstrators are vital to de-risk investment and inform policy.