PORTS & HARBOURS

Port expansion progress at Cromarty Firth

13 years ago

Scotland’s Cromarty Firth Port Authority’s £20m port expansion has taken a major step forward in meeting its 2015 completion target, with ground investigation works now underway.

The expansion project will see the creation of a new deepwater berth

Investigations are testing the geology of the seabed in the area which will eventually be reclaimed to form the 9 acres of additional operational land that the busy port needs.

The expansion project, unveiled in 2012, will also see the creation of a new deepwater berth, capable of handling the largest vessels operating in the oil and gas industry.

As part of the ground testing currently underway, a series of holes are being drilled into the seabed by a modular jack up. Reclamation of the 9 acres is due to get underway early in 2014 and will be completed by mid 2015.

Chief executive of the Port Authority, Bob Buskie said: “I am delighted that we continue to remain on target with the development. The message we receive from our customers and stakeholders is clear. We need to develop the port to meet existing demand, but to also meet the future needs of the offshore wind sector.

“This development is good news for the economic regeneration of Easter Ross as well as the wider Scottish economy and has the potential to support in the region of 791 jobs (direct and indirect) once operational.”

The Cromarty Firth offers some of the deepest water on mainland Scotland, with 24 hour access, 365 days a year. The expertise of the locally based supply chain, coupled with modern port facilities, has made the port a popular choice for inspection, repair and maintenance of oil rigs, as well as subsea engineering. Marine renewables is also becoming increasingly important and the Port has handled over 300 complete onshore turbines.

This major development is the latest in a series of investments on behalf of the Port Authority, aimed at ensuring the long term health of the Port. Phase 1 was completed in 2010 and involved a £1m investment into the upgrade of Port facilities. In 2012, the Port Authority reactivated 2.6 acres of port land, adding to the amount of high quality lay down that it can now offer.

Tendering for the construction of the £20m project will be concluded in the fourth quarter of this year and work will get underway shortly after.