The UK government has committed over £55 million to the expansion of the Port of Cromarty Firth, marking a transformative moment for Scotland’s floating offshore wind industry.
This investment is set to create hundreds of skilled jobs, drive economic growth, and solidify the UK’s status as a global leader in clean energy.
Floating offshore wind is central to the UK’s goal of achieving clean power by 2030, with the nation already hosting the world’s largest grid-connected floating wind farm.
With an ambitious target of 30GW in the pipeline, the UK’s wind sector is proving to be a key player in delivering homegrown renewable energy.
The expansion will position the Port of Cromarty Firth as the first in the UK to manufacture floating offshore wind turbines at scale, unlocking further investment and employment opportunities.
The funding comes from the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS), designed to support the infrastructure required for the large-scale deployment of offshore wind.
This initial grant is expected to attract additional match-funding from private investors, with the expanded port anticipated to be fully operational by early 2028.
During construction, up to 320 jobs will be created, while the port is projected to sustain around 1,000 highly skilled positions once fully developed.
Roles will span from marine engineers and crane operators to those responsible for transporting turbines to sea, ensuring a broad range of employment opportunities.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks highlighted the importance of homegrown renewable energy in securing the UK’s energy future and reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.
He emphasised that investing in infrastructure is key to accelerating clean energy projects and creating high-value jobs across local communities.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray echoed this sentiment, calling the investment a vote of confidence in the Cromarty Firth region and its role in driving the UK’s green energy ambitions.
He reaffirmed that this funding aligns with the government’s Plan for Change, which is focused on cutting-edge energy technology and economic growth.
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, welcomed the funding as a major step in delivering a purpose-built floating wind integration port.
He underscored that this investment validates the port’s potential to deliver long-term job creation and attract further developments to the wider region.
The £55.7 million grant is just one of the latest measures taken by the UK government to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
In addition to FLOWMIS, the government has introduced the Clean Industry Bonus, which incentivises offshore wind developers to invest in cleaner supply chains.
FLOWMIS, which was launched in 2023, aims to provide essential grant funding for port infrastructure upgrades to support floating offshore wind deployment.
The Port of Cromarty Firth is one of two ports to receive this funding, with plans for a second investment in Port Talbot currently in development.
As the UK continues to invest in clean energy, this latest commitment to the Cromarty Firth is set to play a crucial role in the country’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.
