Renewable spin-off could be lost to Ross-shire if £150m-plus Invergordon port expansion fails
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POTENTIAL Ross-shire manufacturing jobs generated by the renewables boom could be lost to the area if a £150m-plus port expansion doesn't go ahead.
The Cromarty Firth freeport expansion would see it double in size in a project worth up to £200 million.
Underwater testing work is under way at the Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon in preparation for the expansion.
It's part of a range of pre-construction studies being carried out as the PoCF prepares to apply for the necessary licences.
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Port director of strategic development, Joanne Allday, says the expansion is vital to cope with with the size of offshore turbines needed.
She said: “The Highlands is uniquely placed to benefit from this huge amount of offshore wind that is going to be built off the shores of our country.These offshore turbines are very large and they're getting larger. You can't just put them at any port – we need to expand our facilities within our region.
“We are really the only place in Scotland that can do this at this scale and deliver what the industry needs and deliver the government's requirements on net zero.
“If we don't do that here, it will realistically go abroad and the associated jobs will go abroad.”
She told a webinar: “Those of you that have been involved with the ports’ engagement activities will know we're looking at a potential £150 million to £200 million expansion of our facilities which could double the size of the facilities that we have.
“That's the kind of land space that we need to have available to be able to accommodate these industries and ensure those jobs land here rather than go abroad and we believe it's in everybody's interest to make that happen.”
She added: “But of course, through the consultation on these kinds of expansions we will hear from the communities and be able to sense-check whether the communities agree that you will also want to see it here.”
Chief executive Bob Buskie said: “Our area is going to play a key role in the rapid development of fixed and floating offshore wind and other sectors, such as green hydrogen, and is set to benefit hugely from the recent decision to establish a freeport centred on Inverness and the Cromarty Firth.
“Our planned Phase 5 expansion is intended to help ensure we can position the Firth as the go-to hub for the offshore renewables sector, securing a long-term pipeline of projects and creating new jobs here.
“The works currently getting under way are required to test and sample the areas for this potential development and ascertain the ground conditions beneath the seabed. This will allow the piles, dredging, revetments and land reclamation to be suitably designed.”
