Cromarty Firth expansion approved

The project includes a new 400-metre quay extension, land reclamation and associated dredging.

“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 Alex Campbell, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth.

“Achieving this consent so quickly is exceptional for a project of this scale.”

Campbell credited the swift approval – just six months after application – to strong environmental planning and broad collaboration. “It reflects the strength of our environmental assessments, the quality of our engagement and the clear national importance of the infrastructure being delivered,” he said.

Phase 5 is central to the port’s long-term strategy to become a globally competitive hub for floating wind, servicing projects in the North Sea and beyond. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

The expansion is projected to create between 170 and 320 jobs during construction. Once operational, it will offer critical infrastructure for the construction, installation and maintenance of offshore wind systems, supporting regional job growth, national energy security and the UK’s Net Zero goals.