Ship-to-shore connection as part of green power project

The project is believed to be the first large commercial ship shore connection in the UK and is just one element of an overarching low carbon travel and transport project for the town.

This power supply system, known as 'cold ironing', will cut the current overnight carbon footprint from the vessel’s diesel generators and engines, lowering the MV Hamnavoe's fuel consumption by at least 500 tonnes a year and resulting in a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2). It will also make a contribution towards further reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and noise. 

The ferry, which is a shipping lifeline for the island connecting it with the rest of Scotland, will be £160,000 cheaper to service each year as a result of the project. The project is expected to fully pay for itself in three years’ time through efficiencies and cost savings.

The shoreside installation work is being carried out by Schneider Electric, a market leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation. The project will see the installation of a cable connection system to the ship to provide overnight shore power, pier cables and a transformer upgrade - with the power coming through Orkney's renewable energy resources. 

The 'Stromness Multi-modal Low Carbon Transport and Active Travel Hub' project has three other elements:

• The installation of an electric bus charger at the ferry terminal to open up opportunities for an electric vehicle to be used on the Stromness to Kirkwall route.
• The installation of electric vehicle charging points for ferry users as well as all other EV owners.
• The procurement of electric bicycles for use by members of the public, plus associated shelters and charging facilities.

Councillor Graham Sinclair, Chair of the Council's Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: "The vision for this project is to achieve a sustainable future for transport to and in Orkney. This project will provide a unique combination of transport decarbonising initiatives covering ferries, buses, cars and cycles, utilising electricity from Orkney's unrivalled wind and tidal energy.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson, added: “It is fantastic to see continued progress towards low carbon and sustainable transportation in Orkney thanks to Scottish Government and European Regional Development funding. The innovative ship shore connection at Stromness utilises local renewable energy to help decarbonise the MV Hamnavoe, which will contribute to improved air quality and reduced emissions in the area.

“The Stromness Multi-modal Low Carbon and Active Travel Hub, further demonstrates the commitment in Orkney to capitalise on a range of sustainable e-mobility options which will benefit health and the environment.”

A total of £670,000 of funding was secured for the project from the European Regional Development Fund in August last year, with additional funding coming from the Council's Miscellaneous Piers and Harbours fund and HITRANS. Serco NorthLink and Transport Scotland have future-proofed the Hamnavoe main electrical control components through a detailed technical upgrade and rewire offering full compatibility with the cold ironing technology.

The European Regional Development Fund element came from its Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund, a capital fund that aims to facilitate the delivery of active travel and low carbon hubs and paths. The Stromness project was the most northerly of nine projects to receive funding in the last round.