UK Government Backs Floating Offshore Wind with £55m Cromarty Firth Investment

The UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has unveiled a significant £55m grant to the Port of Cromarty Firth in Scotland, aiming to cement Britain’s leadership in floating offshore wind energy.

The funding, awarded under the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS), will make the Port of Cromarty Firth the first in the UK capable of producing floating wind turbines on-site and at scale.

This initial grant is anticipated to attract additional match funding from private investors, with the port projected to become operational by 2028. 

As part of the expansion, significant job creation is expected, with 320 positions during construction and up to 1,000 roles once the port is fully operational. These roles will span across the construction, installation, and maintenance of offshore floating wind turbines, promising a robust boost to local and national employment.

Commenting on the investment, Energy Minister Michael Shanks, said: 

“Communities in Scotland and across the country should be powered by reliable, home-grown, clean energy from British coastlines - this is how we reduce our reliance on unstable fossil fuel markets and bring down energy bills for good. 

That’s why the government is getting on with building the infrastructure needed to roll out clean energy quickly, creating skilled local jobs in local communities and driving growth - the priority in our Plan for Change. 

The UK is already a world leader in floating offshore wind, but this support for Cromarty Firth will take us even further - creating hundreds of jobs in Scotland and delivering energy security for the UK”.

Alex Campbell, Chief Executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, added: 

“The Port is delighted that FLOWMIS funding has been secured for our ambitious Phase 5 expansion, which is a critical step towards creating the UK’s first custom-built floating offshore wind integration port. 

We believe this confirmation by the UK government shows the faith in our Trust Port status to deliver jobs and economic growth locally and nationally, and that the certainty from this announcement will unlock further investment in other Ports across the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport to boost their complementary plans”.

Shipping and commercial contracts support

Whilst shipping and commercial contracts will typically contain numerous standard (or boilerplate) clauses, it’s essential that contracts are drafted, negotiated and reviewed to ensure they are contextually appropriate. 

It is at this that Shearwater Law excels.

For shipping and commercial contracts support, contact Shearwater Law today