Scottish ports renewables strategy

The strategically placed Upper Clyde Dock, located ten miles away from Glasgow’s city centre, is set to undergo a massive transformation project in order to attract companies involved in the manufacture of heavy components for the renewables sector.

Site owner, WB Westway has become one of the first beneficiaries of Scotland’s National Renewables Infrastructure Fund (NRIF). It will receive £500,000 in order to help upgrade the 53 hectare Westway industrial site.

The project will include dredging the dock area to create a navigable channel along the River Cart along with quayside improvements to enable heavier loads to be transported.

Historically, Westway accommodated engineering companies involved in heavy manufacturing –and the new project should help attract new investors. Tenants already include Steel Engineering Ltd, which focuses on steel fabrication for the renewables sector and James Fisher Defence, which is currently exploring the potential of entering the renewable supply chain with new cabling technology.

The NRIF has attracted strong interest from port operators and consortia looking to upgrade facilities to provide the necessary infrastructure to supply the offshore wind supply chain. Further awards are expected to be made later this year to key port locations around Scotland.