Lerwick Harbour is set to further strengthen its position as one of Scotland’s leading ports for shore power provision through a new project that will enable NorthLink passenger vessels to connect directly to electricity while berthed in Lerwick.
Lerwick Port Authority, in collaboration with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), has developed a shore power scheme for Holmsgarth Berth 3 that will provide electrical power to NorthLink vessels during port calls while also supporting future vessel requirements.
The new infrastructure supports more sustainable vessel operations and contributes towards wider decarbonisation goals across the maritime sector.
Earlier this year, Lerwick Port Authority awarded contracts for shore power installation to Frank L Johnston (Shetland) Ltd and ABB Marine & Ports UK (ABB) to deliver the associated mechanical and electrical works. Arch Henderson, a company of Haskoning, is leading the design and construction project. Frank L Johnston (Shetland) Ltd is underway with civil engineering works, while ABB will be on site later in the year to deliver the design, installation, commissioning and testing of the shore power system.
CMAL Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Hobbs, said:
“The full funding package for the installation of the shore power project has been provided by CMAL and Transport Scotland as part of its wide-ranging initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint and associated emissions whilst alongside. This initiative will substantially reduce emissions whilst alongside at Lerwick and preparations are being made within this funding package to complete the civil engineering works to extend the shore power provision the new Freight Flex Ferries once delivered”.
Once operational, the system will allow the vessels to switch off onboard generators and draw electrical power directly from the port while alongside, using electricity supplied through the harbour’s network.
Building on Lerwick Harbour’s established shore power network, the investment responds to increasing demand in recent years. At Mair’s Pier alone, high-capacity shore power connections have supplied almost 9 gigawatt hours of electricity since installation, with annual usage averaging around 1.7 gigawatt hours in recent years.
Lerwick Port Authority Chief Executive, Captain Calum Grains, said:
“This project represents another important step in the development of Lerwick Harbour’s shore power capabilities and reflects our commitment to supporting infrastructure that serves the future needs of our customers.
“We have seen significant growth in the use of shore power across the harbour in recent years and this latest development will expand that capability further, while supporting decarbonisation across port operations, transitioning to a low-carbon future and achieving Net Zero aims.
“Working closely with CMAL and our project partners, we are ensuring Lerwick remains at the forefront of shore power provision in Scotland and is well positioned to support both existing and future generations of vessels.”
Keith Pillay, Local Division Manager United Kingdom for ABB’s Marine & Ports division, said:
“We are proud to partner with Lerwick Port Authority and CMAL on this important shore power infrastructure project. This investment demonstrates the port’s commitment to decarbonising maritime operations and supporting sustainable vessel transitions. ABB expertise in designing and installing advanced shore power systems positions us to deliver a reliable, efficient solution that enables vessels to reduce their carbon footprint while operating at berth. Projects like this reinforce Scotland’s leadership in clean maritime infrastructure and align with the industry’s Net Zero ambitions. We look forward to delivering a first-class system that will serve Lerwick Harbour for years to come.”
Stuart Garrett, Managing Director of Serco NorthLink Ferries said:
“Following four successful years of utilising shore power in Stromness, and with the Aberdeen system at Jamieson’s Quay up and running since early 2026, we welcome this additional collaborative initiative between Lerwick Port Authority and CMAL.
“Plugging into the Lerwick scheme means our overnight vessels sailing between Aberdeen and Lerwick can now use clean electrical power on both sides of their crossing. Turning off our engines in port significantly cuts emissions and noise, immediately improving air quality for terminal users and the community while delivering on our sustainability commitments and meeting passenger demand for greener, lower-carbon travel.”
The project is expected to take approximately 14 months from the initial contract award, including a civil works programme lasting around three and a half months.
This article originally appeared on the Lerwick Port Authority website. Photograph © Alexander Simpson.
