Studies and investigative work underway for Montrose offshore wind plan

Early work has started on berths 9, 10 and 11 at the Scottish port, extending its capacity by 30%, following a match-funding agreement with Scottish Enterprise.

The economic development agency approved £1.7M (US$2.3M) towards studies and investigation work which will lead to the creation of 20 hectares of manufacturing land at Montrose Port Industrial Park to the north of the town and the three additional quaysides. This will unlock infrastructure investment of £115M to further develop the port.

Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie said, “The expansion of Montrose Port is hugely important to providing new infrastructure and space to support the continued growth of the offshore wind sector. Montrose Port Authority has exciting plans for the future and we are pleased to back that kind of ambition which will attract further investment into Scotland’s economy.”

The berths form part of a huge overall project by the port, including work to turn part of nearby Customs House into a Skills Academy for the renewables industry and the massive expansion site purchased with grant funding announced by Scottish Enterprise earlier in the year.

Montrose Port Authority chief executive Tom Hutchison said, “Redevelopment of Berths 9,10 and 11 marks a vital step in reinforcing Montrose Port Authority’s role in supporting the offshore wind sector and the wider energy industry.

“We are grateful to Scottish Enterprise for acknowledging our vision and ambition, and for match funding this early works and investigative stage. Their support is instrumental in unlocking further investment, enabling us to increase capacity, create more jobs and drive sustainable economic growth for Montrose and the surrounding region. As a trust port, delivering long-term value for our community remains at the core of everything we do.”