Ardersier Port, near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, has received an initial £300m investment commitment to drive its transformation into an offshore wind and energy transition facility.
The strategic investment into the former McDermott construction yard is being made by Quantum, a US investment firm that provides private capital to the global energy industry.
These funds will accelerate work that has already begun to redevelop the port and unlock its potential to support the deployment of offshore wind installations and the decommissioning of older oil and gas infrastructure in the North Sea.
Michael MacDougall, Partner, Quantum, said: “Quantum is delighted to invest in this exciting next phase of development at Ardersier – a project that aligns with our mission to drive decarbonisation.”
Redeveloping the port’s infrastructure and extending its quay to realise the 450 acres of fully unused operating area will enable Ardersier to provide capacity and services to the offshore wind energy industry and the North Sea decommissioning programme.
The scale and project timeline for the ScotWind programme demands major additional port capacity according to the Floating Wind Offshore Wind Taskforce.
Clearing the North Sea of redundant oil and gas platforms will involve over 1.3 million tonnes of infrastructure being brought onshore over the next decade, according to Offshore Energies UK’s Decommissioning Insight report 2022.
It is anticipated that thousands of construction jobs could be created in addition to the ongoing employment opportunities for deployment, and subsequent maintenance, of the offshore wind fleet and decommissioning of redundant North Sea assets.
Steve Regan and Tony O’Sullivan, Founders, Ardersier Port, said: “This investment by Quantum and securing the appointment of a CEO of Lewis’ calibre is a clear endorsement of our vision for Ardersier Port to transform a national asset into a key energy transition facility.”
Lewis Gillies, CEO of Haventus, Ardersier Port’s parent company, said: “It is a privilege to be asked to take on the role of CEO. The investment will bring jobs and growth to the Highlands economy.
“Ardersier will provide a vital facility for the deployment of the offshore wind industry and enable the domestic decommissioning of redundant oil and gas assets.
“I am delighted to return to Scotland to lead this important project and look forward to working with Tony, Steve, and team to achieve Ardersier’s potential.”