Following the announcement of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, the Port of Inverness has been busy implementing several key onshore renewable schemes. CEO Sinclair Browne divulged more, in an exclusive interview with Inside Marine. Report by Imogen Ward.
The Port of Inverness recently celebrated its 175th year as a trust port. Over this time, the port has developed considerably – adjusting to the evolving needs of the market. That same evolution is still visible today, as the port plans to invest: ready for the renewables market.
“Over the centuries, the port has adapted successfully to new conditions and challenges, and it is now ready to embrace the challenge of net zero,” CEO Sinclair Browne explained. “In line with this, we are part of the consortium that is charged with delivering the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. This project is primarily aimed at the energy transition, net zero and energy security.”
With the earliest references of a port in Inverness dating all the way back to the 13th century, it is safe to say that it has been around for a long time. However, it was not until 1847, that an act of Parliament established it as a trust port. Now, 175 years later, the port continues to operate as an independent statutory body.
Over this period, the port has adapted to several major developments, from the capitalisation of coal and the outstanding popularity of oil. Each milestone brought with it new expansion opportunities and potential for success.
Following the vast progression of green energy, and an industry-wide commitment to achieving net zero, the port has committed to expanding once again.
Green investment
As part of its commitment to the environment, the Port of Inverness has actioned its own net zero goals. With an achievable target of 2038, the port is already implementing exciting changes.
“We have already switched our harbour fleet to electric-powered alternatives, with support from a Scottish government incentive scheme,” Mr Browne explained. “There is also a 50kVA solar panel array positioned on our transit shed roof, which is something we are hoping to expand further in the future. The gradual replacement of our pilot boats is another top priority, which we think will have a really positive impact.”
In line with its work towards to the Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport, the Port of Inverness is facilitating the development of onshore renewable energy, from wind farms to hydro pump storage schemes. Utilising its spare capacity, the port is currently planning to expand its facilities to accommodate this.
“As part of this project, the partners are looking to utilise Inverness as a point of entry for the import of all raw materials, before transhipping them along the
Caledonian Canal to various sites where bulk storage schemes are being proposed,” said Mr Browne. “The Caledonian Canal is over 200 years old, and this proposal endeavours to repurpose it back to what it was originally built for. “We are also looking to expand our facilities, creating a new nine-hectare laydown energy hub and a quay. We have now completed an optioneering exercise, and we have now finalised one option, which we are looking to progress to the pre- consultation stage. All going well, this new expansion should be ready in the next three years.”
“We are also looking to expand our facilities, cre a new nine-hectare layd energy hub and a quay”
As a result of this expansion, the port expects to receive an influx in cargo traffic, whilst offering new and existing port users additional port facilities and a blue energy hub – with space for companies from the offshore wind and onshore renewables sectors to set up office.
“We are in discussions with a number of parties, currently, who are interested in this new expansion area,” Mr Browne continued.
