Ayr cashes in on renewables

As the UK energy industry transitions to renewable energy sources, there has been a growing demand in ships serving windfarm projects which are underway in the southwest of Scotland.

Stuart Cresswell, port manager for Ayr and Troon, said: “Along with our traditional agribulk and mineral business, the wind turbine contracts we have secured this year have provided a fantastic boost to the port and all our local supporting contractors and suppliers.”

In the past week ABP’s port has seen wind turbine components delivered for three separate renewable energy projects.

The MV Abis Bergen and MV Fehn Pollux delivered wind turbine blades to the Brockloch Rig windfarms, the MV Arctic Rock arrived with wind turbine blades for the Dersalloch windfarm, and the MV Dragonera delivered tower sections and the nacelle for the Minnygap windfarm.

Thursday 18 August saw the port’s busiest day for 25 years, with five vessels calling at the port all in one day.

“Following our success in supporting additional cruise calls this year, we are now actively supporting the development of more renewable power in south-west Scotland,” explained Andrew Harston, ABP’s short sea ports director.

He added: “The location of ABP’s Ayrshire ports places them in close proximity to these onshore windfarms. The Ports of Ayr and Troon are equipped and ready to work with renewable energy companies to serve their projects.”

“This has been a strong period for our two Scottish ports. ABP is continually investing in the ports to underpin the important regional role they fulfil in serving the needs of the Ayrshire region and the west coast of Scotland.”