The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Montrose Port Authority and University of Strathclyde, which was supported by the West of Scotland KTP Centre, has been named as a finalist at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2026. These flagship awards celebrate collaboration between business, academics, the public sector and the third sector. 

Each of the nominees exemplifies an exceptional partnership that delivers environmental and social benefits for Scotland. Selected by an independent panel of expert judges, MPA and the University of Strathclyde are shortlisted for the Making an Environmental Difference Award. The nominees in this category are as follows:

• Montrose Port Authority and University of Strathclyde
• Rock Solid Processing Ltd and University of Dundee
• Ureaka Ltd and University of Strathclyde

The KTP collaboration between MPA and the University of Strathclyde set out to position the port as a green energy hub across multiple transport modes. It has led to the KTP Associate, Dr Turgay Koroglu, joining the port full-time as our Net Zero Engineer, supporting the port in its mission to become one of the greenest energy hubs in Scotland by creating a robust foundation for decarbonisation.

With expertise in marine energy systems as well as energy, economy and environmental optimisations of energy systems, Dr Koroglu’s input during the KTP has been invaluable to the success of a number of decarbonisation initiatives at the port, including the creation of the port’s virtual twin, a strategic tool for scenario planning, berth allocation, shore power integration, energy demand forecasting and emissions calculation. This provides operational foresight across vessels and cargo handling, acting as a digital crystal ball to guide smarter, low-carbon decision-making.

Another significant outcome of the partnership is our ability to complete greenhouse gas emissions in-house, across every aspect of our operations with Dr Koroglu’s expertise. Montrose is now one of the few UK ports with this capability and crucially, we’re using these insights to drive real, measurable decarbonisation decisions. Our comprehensive understanding of our carbon footprint enables us to develop targeted strategies, make informed business decisions and future-ready our port for green alternative fuels and emerging clean technologies, further establishing Montrose as a national pioneer in sustainable, low-carbon maritime operations.

What made this partnership truly special was the exchange of knowledge between industry and academia. Both Montrose Port and the University of Strathclyde gained valuable expertise that continues to advance our respective fields. The benefits of the partnership extend even furth, including:

• Cleaner air for the community: Measurable carbon reduction is delivering cleaner air for our local community, especially with the expansion of our shore power facility which allows vessels to switch off their engines while berthed, significantly reducing emissions in and around the port.
• Future-ready employment: As we embrace green technologies and alternative fuels, we will be creating skilled employment opportunities in the growing clean energy sector, building careers that didn’t exist before while future-proofing our local economy.
• Enhanced academic insight: University students gain invaluable real-world data, industry insight and practical knowledge that enhances their studies and future projects. The partnership has added significant value to research centres at Strathclyde, strengthening the bridge between academic theory and industrial application.
• Driving national decarbonisation: Our work has catalysed additional projects that directly support UK government decarbonisation strategies, with Montrose serving as a blueprint for sustainable port operations nationwide.

We’re particularly proud that the final report of the KTP received an ‘Outstanding’ grade – the highest possible which is a fantastic achievement that is a testament to the success of the collaboration between the university and the port. It reflects the dedication, innovation and hard work of everyone involved from our port team to our academic partners at Strathclyde.

The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, now in their 11th year, are organised by Interface, whose director, Amelia Whitelaw, said of the nominees: “What stood out this year was the strength of collaboration across sectors. We’re seeing businesses, public bodies and third sector organisations working with colleges, research institutions and universities in ways that are delivering real impact for Scotland, from tackling net zero challenges to improving health and well-being. That’s exactly what these awards are here to recognise.”

The awards ceremony will take place at Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling, on 19^th March. We would like to extend our congratulations to all of the nominees and to Dr Koroglu for this recognition of his expertise and continued contributions to the port.