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In a bold move to propel the UK’s floating offshore wind sector, the government has unveiled a £55.7 million investment earmarked for the Port of Cromarty Firth. This funding positions the port as the first in the country to develop large-scale, on-site infrastructure dedicated to this cutting-edge renewable energy technology.
Unlike traditional offshore wind farms, which rely on fixed foundations, floating offshore wind turbines are mounted on buoyant platforms anchored to the seabed. This allows for energy generation in deeper waters, unlocking vast wind resources far from the shore—where winds are stronger and more consistent.
The investment, secured through the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FlowMIS), is expected to serve as a catalyst, drawing in additional private-sector funding to accelerate development.
With operations slated to begin by early 2028, the Port of Cromarty Firth is set to become a cornerstone of the UK’s renewable energy supply chain. The project is forecasted to create between 280 and 1,000 highly skilled jobs, spanning construction, turbine installation, and long-term wind farm operations.
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.
“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.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “Scotland is a key part of making the UK a global leader in clean energy, and this investment is a significant vote of confidence in the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and the surrounding area.”
Alex Campbell, Port of Cromarty Firth chief executive, said: “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.”
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