Orkney’s Carbon Emissions Cut with Second Hybrid Barge Installation by Cooke

Cooke Aquaculture Scotland has launched a second hybrid feed barge at its Vestness location in Westray, Orkney, which will lower carbon emissions and noise levels. This follows the successful implementation of its first hybrid system at the Mill Bay location in Stronsay, Orkney in 2022, demonstrating Cooke Scotland's ongoing dedication to sustainability through the addition of another hybrid system on a barge to improve power supply management. In its inaugural year, the Mill Bay hybrid solution cut fuel usage by 40%, resulting in a substantial decrease in the site’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and fuel consumption. It also contributes to a quieter work environment for barge staff and the surrounding area, reflecting Cooke’s continuous commitment to respond to local community feedback and implement beneficial measures for all involved. The hybrid system charges the batteries using the generator's residual capacity, while the auxiliary diesel generator supplies electricity to the rest of the facility. Once the batteries are fully charged, the generator shuts down, and the hybrid system runs the facility. The Vestness location is the first in Orkney to have a retrofit installation on an existing barge. Stewart Rendall, North Isles Manager for Cooke Aquaculture Scotland’s Orkney locations, stated that the second hybrid system installation at the Vestness barge is a significant investment that is both economically and environmentally beneficial. He added that the barge is expected to achieve carbon savings of approximately 146 Tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing 55 cars from the roads each year. Cooke has achieved immediate results in reducing fuel usage and generator running time by collaborating with Norwegian sustainability pioneers Fjord Maritime, who developed the hybrid technology. Steve Burns, Managing Director for Fjord Maritime UK, praised Cooke's commitment to sustainability, quality improvement, energy optimization, and environmental performance. In 2019, Cooke began a review of barge power to investigate alternative power supply sources for the company’s seawater locations in Orkney and Shetland. Cooke Scotland has strived to maintain a low base load across all its locations, which aids in reducing its fuel consumption. The hybrid system was installed at both Cooke’s Vestness and Mill Bay locations in Orkney by Gael Force Group, an aquaculture supply company based in Inverness. Jamie Young, Sales Director at Gael Force Group, emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability to Cooke's operations and their care for their livestock. He added that the ability to install hybrid power solutions retrospectively across their range of concrete and steel feeding barges significantly aids fish farmers in further reducing their carbon footprint.