Question reference: S6W-26545
- Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 28 March 2024
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 17 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it will conduct a "comprehensive assessment of the suitability of deploying shore power and electric recharging infrastructure at all Scotland’s major ports", in light of the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation in its 2023 Report to Parliament.
Answer
The Scottish Government has invested significantly in vessels and key ports and harbours to support lifeline ferry connections. Shore side power upgrades across the lifeline ferry network are planned for the introduction of new and current vessels.
However, for those ports that are privately owned, decarbonisation measures or supporting infrastructure for vessels is a commercial decision for the port operators. The Scottish Government can work with ports owned by local authorities, and potentially Trusts, to explore potential solutions which are proportionate to the scale of operation and the vessels served.