The port of Leith in Scotland, part of Forth Ports, has connected its first vessel to shore power as it continues its commitment to reducing its own carbon footprint and that of its customers.
The Victoria 1 ferry, which is currently being provided by the Scottish government to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, is the first vessel to receive this connection within the Imperial Dock in the port of Leith. Forth Ports said that it is the first large mainland commercial port in Scotland to provide a shore power connection.
By switching to shore power, the vessel is now able to switch off all of its fossil fuel-powered generators. Further still, Forth Ports’ electricity is also being provided from renewable sources.
The electrical network in the port has been extended and integrated to the vessel’s systems through a PSW Power & Automation shore power transformer. This setup is being further developed in the port’s Harbour Berth where it will be offered to offshore construction vessels which use Leith as their home port. This further expansion will be online later this month.
David Webster, director of energy at Forth Ports, said: “As a business we are committed to reducing the emissions from our operations and we are encouraging shipping to do the same. This major civil engineering project to introduce shore power in Leith is a significant milestone for our business in Scotland and we are pleased that the Victoria 1 is now powered by mains electricity. We look forward to offering shore power to our other vessels visiting the port in 2023.”
