Montrose Port Authority sets out growing ambition as critical to Scotland's offshore wind sector

The Port has recently taken a significant role in servicing a burgeoning offshore wind sector and is the chosen operations and maintenance base for both Inch Cape and Seagreen wind farms, with the latter set to be the largest in Scotland.

During a tour of the 59-acre facility, Tom Hutchison, Port CEO, gave Mr Gray an insight into recent developments, including the £1 million self-funded 50/50 partnership investment with Plug Shore Power Ltd which will make Montrose the first Scottish port to offer shore power to offshore energy vessels.

As part of his visit, the Cabinet Secretary also visited the Seagreen Operations and Maintenance base to tour the Marine Control Centre and 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.

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.

“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.”

Mr Hutchison added: “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.”