Ardersier Port Authority and BW Ideol have signed a partnership agreement that will see the latter gain exclusive and long-term access to the port for the manufacturing of concrete floaters.
Both parties have agreed to explore the set-up of a serial production line dedicated to the delivery of locally manufactured floating wind substructures based on BW Ideol’s damping pool technology.
Ardersier is a large brownfield port in the UK comprising 162 hectares with access to a 2.2km quay.
“BW Ideol is securing a unique access to a strategic asset, unlocking the bottleneck of port infrastructure availability in Scotland,” the company said.
Dredging works will start in October with the port targeting a completion by August 2022.
BW Ideol chief executive Paul de la Gueriviere said: “The Scottish government has actively initiated the development of a large floating wind industry in Scotland through the ScotWind Leasing and the launch of a consultation for a new Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore wind for Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas Decarbonisation.
“This pipeline of projects represents a unique opportunity to create a dedicated supply chain in Scotland.
“Faithfull to its industry-leading track record in terms of local value creation, BW Ideol hereby reaffirms its strong commitment to manufacture floaters in Scotland, creating a sustainable floating wind industry and maximizing local content in the process.”
Ardersier Port Authority’s Steven Regan said: “The UK has set a world leading net zero target to build back better which means building back greener.
“This strategic partnership allows us to work towards bringing an essential manufacturing facility to Scotland which complements our vision of using circular economy practices to deliver the UK’s Energy Transition plans.
“At Ardersier we will deliver a world class multi disciplinary facility of a unique scale that will provide long term sustainable benefits to clients and communities.”