Scotland rubberstamps dredging for OSW hub

A capital dredge project has been given the go-ahead to deepen 750 metres of quayside to around 14.5 metres to provide enough depth for most turbine designs, say project leaders ScotWind and INTOG. They aim to turn the northern Scottish port into a major offshore wind hub and the largest operations and maintenance base.

It is already Scotland’s largest berthage port, with 7,600 metres of quayside across both of its north and south harbours.

“Last year alone, the port handled more than 700 vessels associated with offshore wind projects, highlighting the increasing demand from both existing and planned Scottish offshore wind developments,” said head of Communications Jordan Harkins. “Combined with South Harbour’s expansive laydown area and ultra heavy-lift capacity, the facility will support turbine integrations and foundation assemblies. Looking further ahead, it also positions the port to handle major component exchanges with tow-in, tow-out operations.”

The Port of Aberdeen is within 100 nautical miles of three quarters of ScotWind licences in the North Sea.

It is also near the UK government’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s floating offshore wind innovation centre, which ORE calls a world first.

“The prioritisation of the South Harbour upgrade is a significant vote of confidence from both the Scottish government and industry in our £420 million (€490 million) expansion,” said Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen. “Upgrading South Harbour for floating offshore wind will ensure the unrivalled energy supply chain in Aberdeen and wider northeast of Scotland can maximise the opportunities presented by ScotWind and INTOG.”