180 offshore windfarm jobs created at Highland port
The jobs will prepare turbines made in the north of England for transportation to Dogger Bank
Up to 180 new jobs are being created in the Highlands to support delivery of the world’s largest offshore wind farm under construction
The roles will be based at Maraen Port of Nigg near Inverness, which has been selected as the marshalling harbour, where turbine components will be prepared for the 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the North Sea. Maraen is owned by Japanese giant Mitsui & Co.
A total of 277 wind turbines will make up the Dogger Bank project once completed.
The news was announced as Stephen Gethins MSP, Scottish Government Energy Minister, visited the deepwater port and designated Green Freeport.
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The positions include project managers, port operators, and mechanical and electrical technicians involved in turbine pre-assembly works. Recruitment has been underway in recent months, with the roles expected to support project activity through to the expected completion of Dogger Bank Wind Farm in mid-2028.
An independent economic impact report published last year found the project is expected to generate £6.1 billion for the UK economy over its lifetime while supporting thousands of skilled jobs across the country.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a £9bn joint venture between SSE (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). The project is being delivered across three equal-sized 1.2 GW phases. Turbine installation is ongoing at Dogger Bank B following the completion of the phase A turbine campaign earlier this year. Offshore installation works at Dogger Bank C will begin next year.
Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said: “Scotland’s ports are exceptionally well placed to support the energy transition and the growth of offshore wind. Maraen Port of Nigg is a key example – boosting regional economic opportunity and supporting supply chain businesses. I am delighted to have the chance to meet some of the workers who are helping to make these projects a reality. These roles highlight the huge opportunities for people and the economy from realising the potential of our offshore wind pipeline.”
The new positions will oversee pre-assembly of GE Vernova’s giant 13MW and 14MW Haliade X offshore wind turbine components, which are made in Teesside
Steve Wilson, Offshore Wind Director at SSE Renewables, said: “The creation of up to 180 new jobs at Maraen Port of Nigg demonstrates how Dogger Bank Wind Farm continues to deliver real economic benefits for Scotland and the wider UK. Nigg's world-class facilities and highly skilled workforce will play an important role in delivering turbine installation activities for Dogger Bank B and C, helping to strengthen the UK offshore wind supply chain and create lasting opportunities for businesses and workers.
“As the world's largest offshore wind farm under construction, Dogger Bank is already supporting jobs, investment and economic growth across Scotland and throughout the UK. Once complete, it will make a nationally significant contribution to the UK's energy future by delivering secure, affordable and home-grown low-carbon power for millions of homes and businesses, while contributing more than £6 billion to the UK economy and supporting thousands of skilled jobs over its lifetime.”
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