Nigg oil terminal jetty deal brings new opportunities for Easter Ross facility; Global Energy Group hails 'key asset' in Cromarty Firth

A DEAL to take over ownership of the Nigg Oil Terminal jetty will help bring new opportunities for the Easter Ross facility, Global Energy Group chairman Roy MacGregor believes.

The Inverness-headquartered company has reached an agreement with Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Ltd to take over the long-term operation of the oil terminal jetty, under a new lease with Crown Estates Scotland.

Under the agreed deal, which came into effect at the end of February, the jetty will be operated as an extension to the Port of Nigg which has already established itself as a leading deep-water port servicing oil and gas, offshore renewables and the wider energy markets.

The additional ultra-deep water berth extends the capability of the port and provides additional flexibility in berthing options. The new quay is already attracting interest from a number of potential customers, and Global Energy Group expects the jetty to be use in the very near future.

Repsol Sinopec will continue to operate the main oil terminal and to work towards final decommissioning of its facilities.

Mr MacGregor said: “I am delighted that we have finally concluded the deal and are now in possession of a key asset within the Cromarty Firth which may otherwise have been decommissioned. The Nigg Jetty is a valuable addition to our facilities and not only increases our deep-water quayside capacity, but also enables us to consider bringing new business lines to the port, creating further employment for the area.”

Related: Global gets go-ahead for new quay

Multimillion-pound Nigg investment could generate more jobs

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.