The Lerwick Port Authority, in collaboration with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), has developed a shore power supply system for Holmsgarth Pier 3, which will provide electrical power to NorthLink vessels during their calls, while also supporting future vessel needs.
Earlier this year, the Port Authority awarded contracts for the installation of the shore power supply to Frank L Johnston (Shetland) Ltd and ABB Marine & Ports UK (ABB) for the execution of the corresponding mechanical and electrical works.
Frank L Johnston (Shetland) Ltd is already working on the civil engineering works, while ABB will be present later this year to carry out the design, installation, commissioning and testing of the shore power supply system.
“CMAL and Transport Scotland have provided full funding for the installation of the shore power supply project, as part of their various initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint and associated emissions during berthing operations. This initiative will substantially reduce emissions while vessels are berthed in Lerwick, and preparations are being made, within this funding package, to complete the civil engineering works that will allow the power supply to be extended to the new Freight Flex ferries once they are in service,” said Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL.
Once operational, the system will allow vessels to switch off onboard generators and obtain electrical power directly from the port while berthed, using electricity supplied through the port network.
This investment, which builds on the existing onshore electrical grid at the Port of Lerwick, responds to the growing demand of recent years. At Mair Pier alone, high-capacity shore power connections have supplied nearly 9 gigawatt hours of electricity since their installation, with an average annual consumption of around 1.7 gigawatt hours in recent years.
The project is expected to last approximately 14 months from the initial contract award, including a civil works programme lasting around three and a half months.
