Associated British Ports (ABP) has announced a deal to investigate an area for the development of infrastructure to support offshore wind (OSW) manufacturing.
The region, which is part of the Green Freeport’s projected Nigg and Pitcalzean areas, may host both fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind (FLOW) projects and play a significant role in the development of current and future ScotWind lease rounds, according to ABP.
The Cromarty Firth provides an appealing combination of physical and geographic advantages, as well as a strong present group of ports and energy companies, as well as the benefits of a Green Freeport site.
ABP’s aim is to contribute to the compelling current ecosystem in order to maximise investment, jobs, and opportunity for the Cromarty Firth and the surrounding region.
ABP intends to work closely with important local stakeholders and the community in the coming months to assess the location’s potential.
ABP is reportedly developing plans for a £500 million ($608 million) investment in its port at Port Talbot in South Wales to act as a major FLOW construction facility. The company will be applying the experience from that development as it assesses options for Nigg.
Henrik Pedersen, CEO of ABP, said: “Offshore wind offers huge potential to generate green energy and – if the right conditions are in place – significant jobs and prosperity benefits to Scotland and the UK.
“We’re excited to explore the potential of Nigg, applying our experience across the UK, including at our Ports of Grimsby, Hull, Lowestoft and Barrow which already host significant offshore wind activity and at Port Talbot, where we are developing a Floating Offshore Wind port project. We look forward to working with key local partners, the community, and public sector stakeholders.”
In August, Mitie, a British energy services firm, extended its contract with ABP
Source: Port Technology
