Scottish port identified as site for ScotWind floater fabrication

The agreement could see the French company and construction partners use land and berths at the port for series construction of foundations for floating windfarms in Scottish waters.

Ideol hopes to use the port to fabricate its concrete-based Damping Pool foundations. The plan could create large numbers of jobs and opportunities for local suppliers in the Highlands.

Ideol recently teamed with Elicio, an offshore wind developer and operator in the Belgian sector of the North Sea, and BayWa, a renewable energy business with a presence in Scotland, to submit proposals for the ScotWind tender launched by Crown Estate Scotland.

Port of Cromarty Firth chief executive Bob Buskie said, “This partnership shows the manufacturing role the port can play in the rapid expansion in renewable projects off Scotland’s shores.

“We have some of the best marine resources in the world and are in close proximity to 14 of the 15 areas identified in the Crown Estate Scotland’s marine plan for offshore wind development.

“This agreement is a significant boost to the long-term future of the port, Invergordon and the Highlands, and would capitalise on the transformation of the energy market from oil and gas to renewables.”

Ideol chief executive Paul de la Guérivière said the agreement is “testament to our vision to build floaters as close as possible to offshore installation sites and in close collaboration with local communities.” He said the company had already demonstrated high local content track record in France and Japan and hoped to replicate that in Scotland.

Port of Cromarty Firth is one of Britain’s most sheltered deepwater ports. With water depths up to 55 m, the port can accommodate large renewable energy structures and construction and support vessels.

The Cromarty Firth offers deep sheltered water, no weather or tidal restrictions and access 24/7. Water depths alongside are up to 13.5 m and over 35 acres of laydown space is available.