A BRITISH ports group has committed to achieve it’s net zero carbon operation mission by 2042 in event at the Scottish Capital yesterday.
At the event, the company, Forth Ports launched a film which demonstrates its ambitious vision of achieving carbon neutral emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2032.
This will create an infrastructure platform to help accelerate the UK’s path to a decarbonised economy with full net zero carbon emissions being achieved by 2042.
A cornerstone of Forth Ports’ strategy is its substantial investment in infrastructure, port services and towage to support the build out of the UK’s renewable energy sector, including offshore wind.
A private investment programme, totalling £150 million, has already provided crucial support to offshore wind development with the creation of bespoke renewables hubs in Dundee and in Leith to be part of the offshore wind revolution in the North Sea.
This investment not only facilitates the transition to net zero but also lays the groundwork for emerging technologies such as floating offshore wind (FLOW) and green hydrogen.
In recent months, the group has unveiled plans for green hydrogen production facilities at the Port of Tilbury.
Forth Ports Group Chief Executive, Charles Hammond OBE, used the platform to lay out Forth Ports’ vision to create a high-capacity FLOW integration facility at the Port of Burntisland in Fife.
FLOW will play a critical role in the UK achieving its net zero ambitions, with over half of Scotland’s offshore wind capacity in the deep waters where floating wind is to be deployed.
The Forth Estuary is one of the only suitable locations with the capability to integrate FLOW turbines in Scotland, with few other locations having the infrastructure, land and deep water required.
This vision would produce a unique asset combining key elements of the offshore wind supply chain across logistics, marshalling, manufacturing and marine services.
Commenting at the launch event, Charles Hammond OBE, Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “With our firm commitment to carbon neutrality by 2032 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2042, we are driving progressive change in the maritime industry and beyond.
Our ambitious vision reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship and our crucial role in supporting the UK move towards a decarbonised economy for the generations of the future.
“Our existing major investment in green energy, coupled with our commitment to floating wind, the next generation of renewable energy, and our collaborative approach underscore our determination to play our part in driving the transition to a decarbonised economy to achieve meaningful and lasting environmental change.”
Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, said: “I welcome the commitment from Forth Ports, to achieving carbon neutrality by 2032 and net zero by 2042.
“I have visited Forth Port’s Grangemouth facility, and what was made clear to me was the critical role that ports play in our economy.
“It is encouraging, then, to see such a key operator show leadership and commitment to maintain and grow that role in Scotland, as we transition to net zero.
“This commitment builds on impressive achievements to date, and I look forward to seeing Forth Ports’ full net zero plan being rolled out and how, working collectively, we can help deliver our ambitions for a just transition to net zero.”
The Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland said: “Forth ports, one of the UK’s largest ports groups, becoming net zero by 2042 is a welcome commitment. The leadership they are showing demonstrates what can be achieved by one of Scotland’s major infrastructure hubs.
“Forth Ports is a partner in one of Scotland’s two new freeports, each backed by £26m from the UK Government, and I look forward to hearing more about their plans.”
Across all eight of its UK ports, including its largest port in Tilbury, Forth Ports is also overhauling and electrifying equipment and machinery, switching to low carbon fuels, increasing on-site renewable energy generation and promoting low carbon delivery alternatives such as rail and barge.
Forth Ports is part of the Thames Freeport and Forth Green Freeport partnerships which are seeking to accelerate the drive to net zero across the country.
