Nigg pledge as new player Associated British Ports mulls freeport potential for offshore wind work
UP to £500m of investment could follow proposals to ramp up infrastructure to support offshore wind manufacturing, assembly and marshalling in Easter Ross.
Major player Associated British Ports (ABP) says the Cromarty Firth “offers an attractive combination of physical and geographic advantages with a strong current group of ports and energy business” bolstered by recent freeport status.
It has pledges to work closely with the community as it considers the potential of the Nigg and Pitcalzean area to support fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind projects that could play a major role in the development of current and future ScotWind leasing rounds.
CEO Henrik Pederson said offshore wind promises “significant jobs and prosperity benefits” and that ABP can tap expertise already gained at Grimsby, Hull, Lowestoft and Port Talbot.
Cromarty Firth freeport chief Calum MacPherson said: “It’s good to see an additional experienced port operator coming on board who wants to work with the existing green freeport members and local communities to help maximise the potential of the area.”
Stuart Cresswell, chair of the Scottish Ports Group, told the Journal the company prides itself on being “a good neighbour” and “the gold standard of ports” when it comes to engagement and consenting processes.
He described the exploration as “at the very early stages” but believes “there’s more than enough work to go around”. He said: “It has to be fit fir purpose to deliver offshore wind farms. Everyone can form a view of this as the plan is developed.”
He paid tribute to the “enormous work” put into developing the freeport and welcomed supportive comments to ABP involvement from Mr MacPherson.
Asked whether the local area could expect drop-ins for consultation on any proposals developed over the next six to 12 months, he said: “ABP has high standards when it comes to consenting processes. We like to think that we do things properly and will engage with the local community.”
It is conceivable, he said, that investment could be around the £500m being discussed for Port talbot in Wales, being developed as a act as a major floating offshore wind (FLOW) construction facility.
ABP says its commitment to supporting “green growth projects” is contained in sustainability strategy – Ready for Tomorrow – which sets out plans for reaching net zero from our its own operations by 2040.
The operator describes itself as the leading ports operator with 21 ports and transport-related businesses creating a “unique national network capable of handling a vast array of cargo”.
