Port of Inverness 7143

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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.

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Supporting renewables

As the port continues to evolve to meet the requirements of the renewables sector, it has dictated a need to increase the width of its entrance area.

Since 2013, the port has successfully imported more than 315 complete wind turbines with a generating capacity in excess of 950MW. “When the port first became involved with wind turbines, the blades were typically 35m in length,” Mr Browne added. “Now, the latest proposals are for blades for onshore wind farms of up to 80m in length.

“Additionally, with an increasing number of abnormal loads coming into port, especially now that wind turbines are increasing in size, we believe a reorganisation of our internal infrastructure to accommodate those loads would be of benefit. We have had several enquiries from turbine manufacturers and developers for new developments in close proximity to the port, and our plans are driven directly by these enquiries.

“We have identified a proposal, and it is now ready to move to the investment stage. With this being a short-term plan, we are quite confident in accomplishing it this year.”

These new developments are set to join an impressive roster of existing facilities: the port is currently home to six quays and extensive laydown facilities, including a

heavy lift pad. The port is also perfectly positioned in close proximity to the Highland capital of Inverness, an ideal location to promote Scotland’s green energy sectors.

Future-focused

Everyone at the Port of Inverness is excited to get involved with its development plans. However, Mr Browne stressed that the journey is not entirely smooth sailing: “There is a lot of economic uncertainty at the moment, and that has led to parties being more reluctant to make any major investment decisions. This has had

an impact on the progression of our plans, and getting through the consenting process has also taken a while.

“Despite this, we remain very positive. We have a lot of ongoing discussions with port users, which provide us with a degree of confidence going ahead.”

As it continues on this path for development, the port is also preparing to invest in its people. According to Mr Browne, additional workers are a crucial element for its plans: “We are expanding our workforce with several new roles. Currently, we are looking for a General

Manager, which is a brand-new post.

“We have had a lot of great response to the port’s growth, we have successfully identified a niche and have already taken on additional members of staff in the last 18 months, so we look forward to continuing bringing new people on board.

“We are really excited about the immense opportunities that are out there, and to be able to play our part via this port development is really exciting, and we hope that it will open the way to new markets and lots of future opportunities.” n

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