Invergordon port secures high-level contracts for wind farms

The Port of Cromarty Firth has secured two contracts supporting the construction of an 84 turbine wind farm in the Outer Moray Firth.

The Invergordon port is providing space for storing parts for the turbines and also office accommodation.

The Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (BOWL) is being constructed in the Moray Firth, with turbines installed by Seaway Heavy Lifting, at a cost of £2.6 billion with Energy firm SSE among the scheme's investors.

The Nigg Energy Park, also on the Cromarty Firth, is being used for the construction of the wind farm.

It is a significant project for the Port of Cromarty Firth, which has been working hard to attract projects into the Firth in the current oil and gas downturn.

Alone, these two renewables contracts are worth approximately 10% of the Port’s annual turnover. The project will use berth five at the port - which was part-funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the European Regional Development Fund - a £25 million pound investment to attract developments in renewables.

Work will start during the second quarter of 2017 and Beatrice Offshore Windfarm installation is scheduled for 2017 and 2018.

Bob Buskie, Chief Executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We are delighted to have won these high-level contracts which will help secure jobs in the Firth. In light of the challenges in North Sea oil and gas, we have adapted our structure to focus more on new business development opportunities. These contracts demonstrate that this strategy is already delivering results"

“It is fantastic that Seaway Heavy Lifting are using the new berth, as we designed it with offshore renewable projects in mind. We know that the Port is well placed for the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm, as demonstrated by other organisations in the Cromarty Firth successfully winning contracts. We’re hopeful that this new project will now lead to further contracts for companies operating in the Firth.”

Danny Sprangers, Project Marine Co-ordination Manager from Seaway Heavy Lifting said: “Port of Cromarty Firth was a natural partner. The Port is perfectly positioned geographically for the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm, and the companies based around the Port have the skills and expertise we need to fulfil this project. By choosing a Trust Port as our partner, this project will deliver benefits to the Port’s wider community through future reinvestment.”