The investment aims to reduce emissions from both the port’s own operations and the vessels that visit the port.

Bob Sanguinetti, Port of Aberdeen chief executive, said: “Today we launched our net zero strategy with the aim of becoming the UK’s first net zero port by 2040.

“Strong partnerships and investment across the public and private sectors are essential to deliver this transformational change which will deliver significant benefits for the environment, local communities, and wider maritime sector.”

Cabinet secretary for net zero and just transition Mairi McAllan said: “I very much welcome Port of Aberdeen’s Net Zero strategy and congratulate them on making this important investment in their future.”

This ambitious target is at the core of the Port of Aberdeen’s net zero strategy which focuses on collaborating with stakeholders across the private and public sectors to reduce emissions in the port, facilitate future low carbon fuels and support the energy transition.

To track progress, the port will measure emissions against a 2019 baseline, with 55,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emitted across all scopes. Notably, 97% of emissions were attributed to 9,500 vessel arrivals, which are recorded as scope 3. The port will also measure performance using a carbon intensity metric based on gross vessel tonnage.

The introduction of shore power at scale and facilitating low carbon alternative fuels for client vessels are expected to generate significant reductions in emissions. The port has already begun reducing its environmental impact by implementing electric vehicles and installing LED lighting. Additional projects include trialing hydrotreated vegetable oil for port-owned vessels and exploring the feasibility of onsite energy generation.

The £55m net zero commitment comes after the port has already invested more than half a billion pounds in infrastructure in recent years. This includes the transformational South Harbour expansion which will unlock growth opportunities in the energy transition, including offshore wind, hydrogen, and decommissioning.

Mr Sanguinetti continued: “Our vision is to become Scotland’s premier net zero port, offering world class facilities and services, at the heart of the nation’s energy transition. We must be bold and ambitious to achieve this.

“Today we launched our net zero strategy with the aim of becoming the UK’s first net zero port by 2040. Strong partnerships and investment across the public and private sectors are essential to deliver this transformational change which will deliver significant benefits for the environment, local communities, and wider maritime sector.

“Port of Aberdeen can play a pivotal role in the emergence of green economic growth in the wider maritime industry and support new, high-quality jobs.

Ms McAllan continued: “I very much welcome Port of Aberdeen’s Net Zero strategy and congratulate them on making this important investment in their future.

“The Scottish Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the transport sector in a sustainable way, and the maritime sector has a vital role to play.

“An efficient and effective offshore energy sector is crucial for a robust economy, and our work to decarbonise the maritime sector will take account of the critical importance of this sector in our supply infrastructure.

“I wish Port of Aberdeen every success as they aim for their ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2040.”

Naveed Qamar, Head of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality, said: “Aberdeen has a leading role to play in the UK maritime industry’s path to net zero. All the major energy operator and supply chain companies are on our doorstep, and we have a common goal – reducing emissions and achieving net zero.

“There is a long way to go in delivering our 2040 ambition but I’m confident we can deliver it through our net zero strategy.”