Global Energy Group (GEG) says its Port of Nigg West Quay Deepwater Expansion project will address the increasing demand for larger deepwater facilities in the UK to support offshore renewables.
The Scottish port’s project has progressed to Stage 2 of the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council’s (SOWEC’s) Strategic Investment Model (SIM).
Global Energy Group executive director Iain Sinclair said: “The vital enabling role that Scotland’s Ports and Harbours will play in supporting national net zero and energy security targets, specifically for offshore wind, is well documented.
“Being shortlisted to progress to the second stage of the SIM process is welcome confirmation of industry confidence in the Port of Nigg’s strategic role in the industrialisation of offshore wind.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with SOWEC’s investor stakeholders, and all of our Ports and Harbours partners, to deliver the critical enabling infrastructure required to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind in the UK.”
Having benefited from over £120m investment by GEG into the ongoing redevelopment and expansion of the Port of Nigg, the facility has played a pivotal role in supporting five major offshore wind projects in Scotland, totalling 2.6GW.
The proposed expansion will elevate Nigg’s capacity to accommodate the changes in offshore wind structures, including both fixed and floating installations, as well as larger installation vessels.
Central to this development is the establishment of an ultra-deep-water, sea-facing berth, positioning the Port of Nigg as one of the deepest sites in the UK.
The expansion will result in a combined addition of 420 metres of quayside at Nigg, bringing the facility’s total quayside to 1555 metres.
Stage 2 focuses on ensuring the shortlisted projects have the confidence to make Final Investment Decisions.