Up to 180 new skilled jobs are being created at Maraen Port of Nigg as the Highland facility takes on a major role in delivering the world’s largest offshore wind farm currently under construction.

The positions will support the Dogger Bank B and C phases, with recruitment already underway and activity expected to continue until the wind farm is completed in mid 2028.

Jobs include project managers, port operators and mechanical and electrical technicians involved in preparing offshore turbine components before they are transported into the North Sea.

Maraen Port of Nigg was selected in May as the marshalling harbour for components required for the second and third phases of the £9 billion Dogger Bank Wind Farm.

Components for GE Vernova’s 13 MW and 14 MW Haliade X turbines will be prepared at Nigg before being loaded onto vessels and transported offshore for installation.

Scottish Government Energy Minister Stephen Gethins visited the Easter Ross port as the new jobs were announced.

He said:

“Scotland’s ports are exceptionally well placed to support the energy transition and the growth of offshore wind. Maraen Port of Nigg is a key example, boosting regional economic opportunity and supporting supply chain businesses.

“I am delighted to have the chance to meet some of the workers who are helping to make these projects a reality.

“These roles highlight the huge opportunities for people and the economy from realising the potential of our offshore wind pipeline.”

Dogger Bank is a joint venture between Scottish headquartered SSE, Equinor and Vårgrønn and is being developed across three equal 1.2 GW phases.

The completed project will comprise 277 offshore wind turbines and is expected to generate electricity equivalent to around 6% of current UK demand.

Steve Wilson, Offshore Wind Director at SSE Renewables, said:

“The creation of up to 180 new jobs at Maraen Port of Nigg demonstrates how Dogger Bank Wind Farm continues to deliver real economic benefits for Scotland and the wider UK.

“Nigg’s world-class facilities and highly skilled workforce will play an important role in delivering turbine installation activities for Dogger Bank B and C, helping to strengthen the UK offshore wind supply chain and create lasting opportunities for businesses and workers.

“As the world’s largest offshore wind farm under construction, Dogger Bank is already supporting jobs, investment and economic growth across Scotland and throughout the UK.

“Once complete, it will make a nationally significant contribution to the UK’s energy future by delivering secure, affordable and home-grown low-carbon power for millions of homes and businesses, while contributing more than £6 billion to the UK economy and supporting thousands of skilled jobs over its lifetime.”

The announcement builds on Nigg’s growing role in offshore wind, with the port having supported four consecutive wind farm campaigns since 2018, including SSE’s Beatrice and Seagreen developments.

The deepwater facility is also part of the designated Green Freeport and has substantial laydown space and heavy ground loading capabilities suited to large offshore energy projects.

Yoshihiro Hayakawa, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Maraen, said:

“We are pleased to welcome the Energy Minister to Maraen Port of Nigg and to confirm that up to 180 skilled roles are being created at our port across Dogger Bank B and Dogger Bank C.

“Building on our previous experience supporting SSE’s Beatrice and Seagreen offshore wind farms, this work reflects the infrastructure, capabilities and experienced teams we have developed at Nigg to support large-scale offshore wind projects safely and efficiently.

“The sustained investment in the port has created infrastructure that is critical to Scotland’s and the UK’s energy transition.

“We are committed to continued investment in Maraen Port of Nigg to ensure it remains at the forefront of the energy industry, attracting further projects of this scale and, in turn, supporting the growth of high-value, sustainable employment opportunities for the next generation in the region.”

For Easter Ross, the announcement provides something tangible from the growth of offshore wind, with up to 180 skilled positions being created at a Highland port already building a significant role in Scotland’s changing energy economy.