Plans for a major investment at the Port of Nigg have been approved, with more than £30 million set to be invested to strengthen its role in the energy sector.
The development comes as three North-east energy businesses unite under a new brand, Maraen, bringing together Port of Nigg, Global Energy Group and Global Energy Services.
The move follows their acquisition by Mitsui and Mitsui O S K Lines in 2025, signalling long term international backing and a focus on future growth.
At the centre of the investment is a new heavy duty quay and roll on roll off capability, designed to expand the port’s capacity and support large scale energy projects.
The upgrade will improve the movement of equipment and materials linked to offshore wind and wider energy developments, while also creating opportunities for further investment and job creation.
Maraen Chief Executive Yoshihiro Hayakawa said:
“This is a defining moment for our business.
“Our new name, Maraen, reflects both our heritage and our ambition to shape the future of energy across multiple sectors.
“Bringing our capabilities together under one brand strengthens our position as an integrated energy infrastructure solutions provider, allowing us to deliver at a greater scale and invest with confidence in long term growth for our customers, communities and wider stakeholders.
“The final investment decision on the Eastern Inner Dock Quay demonstrates that ambition, underlining our commitment to supporting complex, large scale projects across oil and gas, offshore wind and nuclear, and positioning Maraen at the forefront of international energy infrastructure.”
The Port of Nigg is already a key hub for offshore wind, having supported the deployment of more than four gigawatts of capacity.
The new quay will further strengthen its position, including supporting the export of high voltage cables produced at the nearby Sumitomo Electric facility.
Facilities Director Rory Gunn said:
“This targeted investment will bolster Maraen Port of Nigg, increasing both our capacity and capability to support large scale energy projects.
“By continuing to invest in our infrastructure, we are reinforcing our position as a leading UK energy port, trusted by developers to deliver the scale, efficiency and reliability required.”
The project has already secured planning consent and a marine licence, with construction expected to begin shortly.
A £10 million grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise is supporting the development as part of wider efforts to strengthen Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain.
The investment marks another significant step in positioning the Highlands as a key player in the future of energy.
