Scottish energy secretary, Neil Gray, visited Montrose Port, saying that the space “can play a key role in Scotland’s transition to a net zero economy.”
The cabinet secretary for wellbeing economy, fair work and energy toured the facility to receive an update on the port.
Mr Gray said: “Montrose Port can play a key role in Scotland’s transition to a net zero economy by becoming a major support, logistics and service hub for the North Sea energy sector.
“This can support good quality green jobs and sustainable economic growth in Angus and beyond.”
© PADuring the cabinet secretary’s visit to the 59-acre facility, Tom Hutchison, chief executive of the Montrose Port Authority (MPA), told Mr Gray about the £1 million self-funded 50/50 partnership investment with Plug Shore Power.
This investment will make Montrose the first Scottish port to offer shore power to offshore energy vessels.
The plug facility is expected to be operational by the end of this year and provides an alternative energy source for vessels to use while they are berthed in port thereby reducing fuel emissions.
Mr Hutchison said that although the facility “supports 400 jobs worth £45m to the regional economy”, is looking to create more jobs and “contribute to the economic growth of the Angus economy.”
Montrose Port and Seagreen
Montrose Port is working on the Inch Cape and Seagreen windfarms.
As part of his visit, the cabinet secretary also visited the Seagreen Operations and Maintenance base to tour the Marine Control Centre.
Mr Gray also boarded a Crew Transfer Vessel for a visit to the Seagreen site where he heard more about the progress being made with construction works offshore.
MPA boss, Mr Hutchison said: “The visit by the Cabinet Secretary has given us the opportunity to demonstrate the essential part Montrose is playing in Scotland’s transition to Net Zero with 2.5GW of capacity being operated from Montrose Port now Seagreen has come online.
“The 25-year commitment to Montrose by the Seagreen joint venture will ensure ongoing investment and redevelopment of our existing facilities.”
© Supplied by MPAThe energy secretary added: “It was a great pleasure to see this potential turned into reality at the Seagreen Wind Farm and meet those working on this key site for Scotland’s energy security.
“Scotland is well-placed to make the most of the enormous opportunities that come from the just transition to create a fairer, greener future.”
Once up and running, Seagreen will be Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm and the world’s deepest fixed bottom development.
Capable of generating around 5,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy annually, Seagreen will produce enough clean electricity to power more than 1.6 million UK homes.
© SSE RenewablesRecently, Seagreen developer SSE Renewables announced that the 114th, and final, turbine on the field had been installed around 14 miles from the Angus coast.
Paul Cooley, director of offshore at SSE Renewables, said: “We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to demonstrate to the cabinet secretary how our supply chain strategy, which is built around generating local jobs and investment, is contributing to Montrose, both during the construction of Seagreen as well as throughout the operation of the offshore wind farm.”
MPA names new chief commercial officer
© Supplied by Montrose Port AuthorThe same week that energy secretary, Neil Gray, visited Montrose Port, the MPA named Ann Rooney as its new chief commercial officer.
With over 15 years of experience in the ports, maritime and international logistics sector, Ms Rooney will be supporting MPA boss, Captain Tom Hutchison, and the wider MPA team.
She has previously worked as the Business Development Director at FIS Chemicals and Business Development Manager at Forth Ports.
In her new role at MPA, Ms Rooney will take the lead on delivering strategic growth for the port.
