Haventus, the owner of Ardersier Port in Scotland (pictured), has joined the growing list of Green Freeport consortium members that includes the Port of Cromarty Firth and Port of Inverness.
Other members include Global Energy Group, The Highland Council, the University of the Highlands and Islands, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
The 450-acre Ardersier Port site is being redeveloped, with the the former McDermott Yard being transformed into a leading energy transition facility.
The upgrade is to unlock the site’s potential to enable the deployment of major offshore wind projects and the wider energy transition opportunity.
Redevelopment of the port is expected to create local employment and support the supply chain, contribute to net zero and provide wider benefits to the port’s local communities and the Highland economy.
Haventus chief executive Lewis Gillies said: “Haventus is delighted to become a member of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport consortium.
“Green freeport status will deliver a range of investment incentives for port users, designed to facilitate international trade and stimulate local economic growth.
“At a point in time when we have the most exciting energy opportunity for Scotland and the UK since the discovery of North Sea oil and gas, it was important for us to become a member of the Green Freeport, which will deliver significant benefits for businesses and communities in the region.
“We look forward to working with our consortium partners to deliver these.”
Speaking on behalf of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, chair Jim Smith welcomed Haventus to the consortium.
He said: “We are delighted that Haventus has joined the consortium.
“It brings a fifth port facility into the Green Freeport and aligns with the Freeport’s objectives of facilitating offshore windfarm construction and accelerating Scotland’s transition to net zero.
“Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is perfectly positioned to become a thriving hub for the renewables industry. Green Freeport status will build a pipeline of sustainable jobs that will benefit not only Scotland, but the wider UK.”
The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport Ltd (ICF) is a company limited by guarantee and was borne out of Opportunity Cromarty Firth, the consortium which led the successful bid to become a Green Freeport.