The Port of Aberdeen marked a pivotal milestone in its journey to becoming a pivotal hub for floating offshore wind. The proposed South Harbour upgrade project has progressed to Stage 2 ‘priority’ status in the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council’s (SOWEC) Strategic Investment Model (SIM), signifying a significant stride towards its realization.
The ambitious upgrade plan entails a capital dredge project aimed at deepening 750 meters of quayside to a depth of -14.5 meters chart datum. This enhancement is poised to cater to the majority of ScotWind and INTOG project turbine designs. Moreover, coupled with South Harbour’s expansive laydown area and its ultra heavy-lift capacity, the facility is primed to facilitate turbine integrations and foundation assemblies. Looking ahead, it also positions the port to efficiently manage major component exchanges with tow-in, tow-out operations.
As Scotland’s premier berthage port, boasting 7,600 meters of quayside spread across its North and South Harbours, the Port of Aberdeen stands poised to emerge as the preeminent operations and maintenance base for offshore wind projects.
The significance of this advancement is underscored by the fact that last year alone, the port serviced over 700 vessels associated with offshore wind projects, highlighting the burgeoning demand emanating from both existing and planned Scottish offshore wind developments.
Situated strategically within 100 nautical miles of 75% of the ScotWind licenses, the Port of Aberdeen finds itself at the epicenter of a burgeoning renewable energy cluster. It serves as the marine gateway for Energy Transition Zone Ltd and enjoys close proximity to the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s pioneering Floating Offshore Wind Innovation Centre.
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the Port of Aberdeen, expressed his optimism regarding this development, stating, “SOWEC’s prioritization of the South Harbour upgrade is a significant vote of confidence from both the Scottish Government and industry in our £420 million expansion. Upgrading South Harbour for floating offshore wind will ensure the unrivalled energy supply chain in Aberdeen and wider North East of Scotland can maximize the opportunities presented by ScotWind and INTOG. We’ll continue to make the case to the Scottish Government, UK Government, and industry that this is an opportunity that cannot be missed.”
In conclusion, the Port of Aberdeen’s advancement to Stage 2 ‘priority’ status in the Strategic Investment Model for offshore wind marks a critical juncture in its evolution towards becoming a pivotal player in the renewable energy landscape. With its strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and unwavering commitment, the port is poised to spearhead the next wave of offshore wind projects, driving sustainable growth and innovation in the sector.
