Posted on August 6, 2025
Scottish ministers have formally approved all of the licenses necessary to overhaul a key port in the ongoing offshore wind rollout.
The Port of Cromarty Firth is set to undergo an expansion and upgrade project worth £111 million after government officials granted its owners the relevant marine and dredge licences to proceed.
A new 400-metre-long deep water quay will be constructed as part of the port’s fifth expansion phase, creating sufficient space to support the deployment of floating wind projects in the North Sea and beyond.
Consent for the project has arrived just six months after the port submitted its marine and dredging applications to the Scottish government in January.
Alex Campbell, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “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.
“Achieving this consent so quickly is exceptional for a project of this scale.
“It reflects the strength of our environmental assessments, the quality of our engagement and the clear national importance of the infrastructure being delivered.
“It enables us to progress our strategy to develop a world-class, custom-designed and globally cost-competitive offshore renewables hub.
“We are grateful to the Marine Directorate, our environmental consultants, Affric Limited, and all consultees for their collaborative and professional approach throughout the process.
“This puts us firmly on track to begin construction later this year.”
The expansion project is expected to create 170 to 320 jobs in the construction phase.
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