The Port of Inverness has taken delivery of its first batch of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil as a sustainable replacement for marine gas oil to fuel its pilot boats. The delivery was supplied by Highland Fuels, a company founded in Inverness in 1957.

HVO is a 100 percent sustainably sourced fuel derived from waste fats and vegetable oils. By adopting HVO, the port aims to significantly lower CO₂ emissions from its pilot boats while contributing to improved air quality in the surrounding area.

Port of Inverness CEO Sinclair Browne highlighted the environmental benefits of this transition, stating: “We currently run two pilot boats, and this will significantly reduce their CO₂ emissions whilst improving the area’s air quality. Two years ago, we announced our ambition to become a net-zero business by 2038, and this change will put us well on the way to achieving this goal.”

Dan McDermott, sales manager at Highland Fuels, underscored the impact of HVO in reducing emissions: “We’re dedicated to helping our customers transition to a more sustainable future. The introduction of HVO at the Port of Inverness is a key step in our mission to provide low-carbon liquid fuels, offering up to a 90 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to standard marine gas oil and road diesel. We’re proud to support the Port of Inverness in achieving its net zero goals.”

This initiative marks a significant step in the port’s long-term sustainability strategy and aligns with broader industry efforts to adopt cleaner fuels and reduce carbon emissions.