Infrastructure designed for demanding conditions

The challenge: Emissions from offshore vessels at berth

Montrose Port is strategically located on Scotland’s east coast and plays a key role in supporting offshore energy activity in the North Sea, including oil & gas, offshore wind and decommissioning. The port has frequent calls from offshore supply and support vessels, many of which spend extended periods alongside while loading, unloading and preparing for offshore operations.

Historically, these vessels have relied on onboard diesel generators to meet their power demand while in port—resulting in significant emissions of CO₂, NOx and noise. Vessels at berth can account for the majority of a port’s total emissions, making shore‑side electrification one of the most effective decarbonisation measures available to ports serving offshore fleets

With a clear ambition to become Scotland’s first carbon‑neutral port, Montrose Port Authority identified shore power as a critical enabler—but needed a proven partner with experience in designing, financing and operating reliable shore power infrastructure.

The solution: Plug Montrose – Plug’s first UK shore power project

To deliver shore power in Montrose, Montrose Port Authority entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Plug Shore Power, creating Plug Montrose Ltd. The project represents Plug’s first deployment in the UK, building on experience gained from large‑scale shore power projects in Norway, including the Port of Bergen.

The shore power system became operational in spring 2024, making Montrose the first port in Scotland to offer shore power to offshore energy supply vessels. The initial investment of approximately £1 million covered major upgrades to the port’s electrical infrastructure, including substations and quayside installations, delivered in collaboration with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).

The shore power system is designed in accordance with IEC 80005‑3 standards and delivers low‑voltage shore power at Berths 1 and 2, with Berth 3 added in 2025. The installation comprises three supply pits with a total capacity of 1.6 MVA and supports voltage options of 400V, 440V and 690V at both 50 and 60 Hz. All electricity supplied through the system is backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO), ensuring that vessels are powered by 100% renewable energy

Results: Scotland’s first operational shore power for offshore vessels

In May 2024, the offshore supply vessel Magne Viking became the first vessel to connect to shore power in Montrose, marking an important milestone not only for the port itself, but for the Scottish maritime sector as a whole. Since then, several offshore vessels have made use of the facility, reducing fuel consumption, emissions and noise while alongside. By switching from onboard diesel generation to renewable electricity from shore, vessels calling at Montrose significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, NOx and particulate emissions, as well as noise and vibration—improving working conditions for crew and contributing to a better environment for the local community. The shore power service directly supports Montrose Port Authority’s ambition to reduce Scope 3 emissions and position the port as a sustainability leader within the offshore energy supply chain.

“The launch of shore power at Montrose represents a transformative moment for the port and for the wider Scottish maritime industry,”says Captain Tom Hutchison, CEO of Montrose Port Authority

A blueprint for UK ports serving offshore energy

The Plug Montrose project demonstrates that shore power is not only feasible in large cruise ports, but also highly relevant for working ports serving offshore energy vessels with frequent and predictable port calls. The joint‑venture model allows ports to share investment risk while benefiting from Plug’s technical expertise and operational experience.

Following the successful commissioning of Berths 1 and 2, Berth 3 was electrified in 2025, increasing capacity and enabling a larger share of vessels to connect to shore power. With 30% of the port’s berths now electrified, Montrose continues to expand its shore power offering as demand grows.

The way forward

Plug Montrose marks an important step in Plug’s international expansion and demonstrates how Norwegian shore power expertise can be successfully transferred to new markets. For Montrose Port Authority, the project is a cornerstone in the journey towards carbon‑neutral port operations and a cleaner offshore energy supply chain.

As environmental requirements tighten and offshore operators increasingly prioritise low‑emission logistics, shore power at Montrose provides a clear competitive advantage—today and for the future. Looking ahead, Plug and Montrose Port Authority will also assess opportunities for further expansion of shore power infrastructure on the north side of the port, in line with future demand and operational needs.