Push for Cromarty Firth 'free port' drive boosted by support from Hitrans

REGIONAL transport partnership Hitrans has said it is supporting the ambition for a free trade zone port in the Cromarty Firth.

The partnership said it had an interest in port logisitics and is looking at the development of green hydrogen.

A spokesman said: "We are a funding partner in the consortium behind Opportunity Cromarty Firth, an ambitious and collaborative initiative, exploring the opportunity for the Cromarty Firth to become a ‘Free Trade Zone’, as part of the UK Government’s post-Brexit economic growth strategy.

"Our interest is in port logistics, and connections to the hinterland - road, rail, pipeline and cable. The availability of green hydrogen offers a real possibility for transport decarbonisation of rail, bus and HGV.

"The primary objective of Opportunity Cromarty Firth is to maximise the local benefits from a pipeline of renewable energy projects which will create business opportunities and employment, attract inward investment, research and development, and position the Highlands at the heart of the country’s commitment to becoming a net-zero economy.

"Partners of the project include the Port of Cromarty Firth and Global Energy Group, as well as other regional businesses, academia and the public sector."

Hydrogen deals fuels Cromarty Firth's eco hub aspirations

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