Scottish ministers have approved marine and dredging licences for a £111 million expansion of the Port of Cromarty Firth, paving the way for the development of the UK’s first dedicated floating offshore wind turbine integration facility.
The Phase 5 expansion project includes a 400-metre quay extension, land reclamation, and associated dredging. The port operator said the development aims to support the growing floating offshore wind sector in the North Sea and beyond.
The Port of Cromarty Firth described the licence approval as a critical step for the project. “Securing these consents marks a major milestone in our journey to position the Cromarty Firth – and Scotland – as a leading hub for the deployment of floating offshore wind,” said Chief Executive Alex Campbell.
The project is expected to generate up to 320 construction jobs and expand the port’s capacity to support large-scale renewable energy infrastructure. The port authority said the development is intended to contribute to regional economic growth, enhance UK energy security, and assist in achieving Scotland’s net zero targets.
