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Montrose Port Authority has launched a new facility that will reduce emissions, noise pollution and fuel consumption.

Launched on May 2, it is the first port in Scotland to provide a shore power service for offshore energy supply vessels.

Plug Montrose is the result of a £1 million investment and collaboration between Montrose Port Authority and Plug Shore Power Ltd, the UK-based branch of Norwegian shore power and maritime charging company Plug AS.

It takes the port a step closer to reaching it’s ambition of becoming Scotland’s first carbon neutral port.

Shore power gives vessels the option to shut down their engines and connect to the grid while berthed in port.

It reduces emissions, fuel consumption and noise pollution during port stays by eliminating the need for ships to run their engines to power onboard systems.

The facility is now operational on berths 1 and 2 at Montrose Port, following an upgrade to the port’s infrastructure carried out by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).

Notably, the inaugural connection to the facility during the testing phase was made by the Norwegian vessel Magne Viking, from Viking Supply Ships.

The ship, which featured in Christopher Nolan’s 2020 film Tenet, is a frequent visitor to the port.

This is Plug’s first venture in the UK, following successful collaborations with several Norwegian ports to develop shore power infrastructure.

Its initial project was started in Bergen in 2018 and since 2019 these shore power installations have collectively saved more than 52,000 tons of CO2.

The investment in shore power by Montrose Port Authority is a result of its aim to reduce scope 3 emissions and meet demand for the service from visiting vessels.

Captain Tom Hutchison, chief executive of Montrose Port Authority, said: “The launch of shore power at berths 1 and 2 represents a transformative moment for us and the wider Scottish maritime industry.

“By embracing innovative solutions like shore power, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also positioning it as a leader in sustainable port operations.

“Wit the service now live and our ability to track emission reduction through Plug’s bespoke administration system, we are excited about the potential of expanding this facility to all our berths.”

Chief executive officer of Plug, Maria Bos, said: “This milestone represents not only a significant achievement in sustainable maritime practices but also a testament to the power of collaboration.

“Witnessing the construction of the facility and the first vessels connecting to it is a moment of pride for us all.

“We are looking forward to continuing to support Montrose Port in reaching its ambition of becoming Scotland’s first carbon neutral port, as well as expanding our business to other ports in the UK.”

Mark Wilson, HSE and operations director at Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the leading representative body for the UK’s offshore energy industry, said: “Supply chain-led innovation lies at the core of a successful homegrown energy transition and this is a great example of companies collaborating to accelerate the drive towards reducing carbon emissions to support the delivery of net-zero ambitions.”