The £ 18.9 million project will help the economy of the Highlands and Islands benefit further from the increase in the production of renewable energy as well as meet the needs of current customers, HIE said.

When completed, the new facility is expected to bring an extra £ 11.24 million to the area in the first three years of new business and generate up to 39 new jobs.

“This announcement marks a significant step as we continue to push forward with our ambitious and world-leading net zero targets and a target of seeing 11GW of offshore wind developed in Scotland’s waters by 2030, alongside the launch of Crown Estate Scotland’s first ScotWind leasing round," said Paul Wheelhouse Scotland’s Energy Minister.

Owned by the Global Energy Group (GEG), with more than 900 meters of deep-water quayside, Port of Nigg is home to Europe's largest graving dock facility.

More recently, the facility has become a proven hub in the growing renewables sector and has been a major asset in serving the oil and gas industry for many decades.

According to HIE, the demand and opportunities associated with wider growth in renewables are the key drivers behind the construction of the East Quay.

GEG is also planning to construct new infrastructure at the eastern edge of the park for 225 meters of additional deep-water quayside and adjacent laydown field, HIE said.

Maritime Business World