Construction starts on offshore windfarm

CONSTRUCTION has started on the operations and maintenance base at Montrose Port which will service the Seagreen offshore wind farm.

Scotland’s largest offshore construction project to date will create up to 60 jobs based at the Port, as well as a further 60 on MHI Vestas offshore service operations vessel.

Montrose Port was selected by SSE Renewables as the preferred location for its O&M base for the 114-turbine development last October, bringing investment and jobs to the local area for the 25-year life of the project.

Located at the Port’s South Quay, the base will include two storey operations building, repurposed warehouse, 50m high communications mast, and a pontoon for crew transfer vessels travelling to the Seagreen site.

Captain Tom Hutchison, Montrose Port Authority chief executive, said, “This is a significant milestone for Montrose and we’re delighted to see work started on the base.

“This 25-year commitment from Seagreen will ensure the ongoing investment and redevelopment of our existing facilities at the Port in line with our remit as a Trust Port.

“It also demonstrates our consistently flexible approach and long-term diversification strategy, as well as offering an outstanding opportunity for the local supply network.”

Work on the operations building and repurposed warehouse is being undertaken by Montrose-based contractor Pert Bruce, which recently announced that up to 30 jobs for the duration of the contract which is scheduled to take around a year.

Further contracts for the communication mast and pontoon are yet to be awarded.

Andy Kay from SSE Renewables said: “This is a landmark moment for our base at Montrose Port and for all the team involved in delivering the Seagreen Offshore Wind project.

“SSE Renewables is committed to supporting the local economy so this is good news for all the businesses in Montrose and Angus who will benefit from the construction and ultimately, the opening of the base in a few years’ time.”