Stillstrom by Maersk, a newly launched offshore charging company, has today announced that it will collaborate with Port of Aberdeen on a pioneering project to significantly reduce emissions from vessels on standby outside the port.
Under the memorandum of understanding, Stillstrom and Port of Aberdeen will conduct a joint feasibility study into an innovative offshore renewable charging hub. The ocean clean-tech concept provides a platform for vessels to utilise electricity from either offshore wind or grid-energy, thereby eliminating the need for vessels to consume fossil fuels while idling. The product also allows for the charging of battery packs on applicable vessels
The study, which will run until the end of the year, will develop a roadmap for the potential introduction of offshore charging infrastructure at the Port of Aberdeen. Stillstrom and the Port will analyse the benefits, use cases, fundamental requirements, economics, and stake-holder involvement as part of the study. Stillstrom’s offshore charging concept is relevant for multiple stakeholders across ocean industries, from offshore renewables to idling merchant vessels within ports & hubs.
Developed in-house by Maersk Supply Service, Stillstrom’s mission is to provide solutions for decarbonising the offshore industry. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Maersk Supply Service has a long-standing presence in Aberdeen, having opened its Aberdeen office in 1976 and with a number of its deep-water anchor-handling vessels operating out of the port for charters in the North Sea.
The Port of Aberdeen is one of UK’s busiest ports, with more than 6,000 vessels visiting and anchoring outside every year. Aberdeen’s ‘Green Port’ strategy is well developed and explores a wide range of emissions reduction opportunities, including quayside electrification, the use of alternative fuels and lower carbon power supplies, and sustainable waste management.
Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive, Port of Aberdeen, said: “Innovative thinking and practices are crucial if we’re to achieve a green maritime industry. We look forward to working with Still-strom to develop low carbon power supply and reduce emissions from vessels on standby outside our port. Pioneering projects, like renewable offshore charging, will help to make our vision of becoming Scotland’s premier Net Zero port a reality.”
“We are extremely pleased that Port of Aberdeen and Stillstrom have entered into this col-laborative MoU. The feasibility study we will undergo with Port of Aberdeen is a cornerstone in our go-to-market strategy for our ‘Ports & Hub’ segment. Together with Port of Aberdeen as a close partner, we will be able to map and show the true value of utilising electricity for idling vessels – which we expect will not only support the journey towards a net-zero ocean economy and a better near coastal environment, but also an economically attractive solution for vessels owners to utilise,“ says Stillstrom CEO Kristian B. Jorgensen.
