The UK Government has allocated a $71 million grant to the Port of Cromarty Firth, paving the way for a groundbreaking expansion project aimed at supporting floating offshore wind farms. This investment marks the first phase of a program designed to enhance port infrastructure critical to the future of wind energy.
Cromarty Firth to Become Key Offshore Wind Hub
Located near Inverness, the Port of Cromarty Firth has long been a vital player in offshore industries. Originally serving oil and gas operations, it has since pivoted to renewable energy, leveraging its deep, sheltered waters to accommodate large vessels and offshore wind components.
Port officials detailed their plans to expand laydown areas and establish new facilities to support wind turbine assembly, installation, and operational services. The initiative includes the development of Quay West and Phase 5 laydown areas, where floating turbines will be assembled and pre-commissioned before deployment to offshore sites.
Government Backs Floating Wind Future
The UK, already a leader in offshore wind energy in Europe, is pushing forward with investments in floating wind technology. While China has surpassed the UK in overall wind energy capacity, the British government has committed to advancing this sector as a key component of its long-term energy strategy.
To facilitate this growth, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero introduced the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS). The latest grant, awarded to the Invergordon-based Port Trust, will help secure additional funding from private investors and financial institutions.
Timelines and Expansion Plans
The grant will enable the port to launch pre-construction contract awards for the expansion project. According to officials, construction must be completed by 2027 to meet the timeline for the first commercial-scale floating wind projects.
Meanwhile, Port Talbot in Wales has been named as the second port selected under the FLOWMIS program. Plans for its expansion are currently in development, with further details expected in the coming months.
