The ORION Clean Energy Project has announced Lerwick Port Authority has become a strategic partner.

The Port Authority will be joining the strategic partnership alongside Shetland Islands Council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE), Net Zero Technology Centre, and the University of Strathclyde, with a common ambition to transform the Shetland region into a centre for secure and affordable clean energy.

Lerwick Port Authority will lend valuable expertise to the ORION Project's aims and ambitions as the landscape of energy generation changes over the coming months and years. Shetland's ports and harbours are well-placed and equipped to support the energy transition through decarbonisation of assets, utilisation of local supply chains, and long established infrastructure.


Captain Calum Grains, Chief Executive of Lerwick Port Authority, said: "Participation in the ORION Project dovetails with our commitment and actions to reduce carbon emissions in our operations and facilitate development of clean energy sources. We are looking forward to working with the strategic partners in the ORION initiative, offering the port's comprehensive capabilities to play a major role in securing Shetland's renewable energy aspirations and transition to Net Zero, to develop infrastructure and support a thriving supply chain.

"Among the steps we will take, decarbonising all our operations is a priority through various environmental initiatives, including larger-scale projects such as future shore power options for vessels and technologies for clean bunkering."