New East Quay Opened at Port of Nigg

The Port of Nigg in Scotland, owned and operated by Global Energy Group (GEG), has unveiled its new East Quay, which increases the port facility’s deep water quayside to over 1,200 metres.

The new quay will enable the port to service multiple large-scale energy sector projects simultaneously and ensure the port facility has the required infrastructure in place to accommodate the demands for future floating offshore wind sector opportunities, GEG said.

The upgrade will allow the Port of Nigg to bid for and execute offshore wind foundation and wind turbine projects simultaneously, according to a press release from GEG on 4 July.

“It will be a huge selling point for us when tendering for the next generation of floating offshore wind projects, with the additional deep-water quayside allowing us to do the fabrication and assembly of the floating hulls at the port’s South Quay area while the wind turbine integration onto the floating foundations is being conducted at the East Quay“, said Rory Gunn, Facilities Director.

The 225-metre long, 50-metre wide East Quay will be Port of Nigg’s main quayside for shipping activities while also giving it the flexibility of having quaysides available if they take the dry dock for a major project.

“Our new East Quay helps us better service our existing customer’s needs, in the renewables, oil and gas, and nuclear sectors, and the enhanced capabilities will assist us to attract inward investment with a vision to create long term skilled manufacturing jobs at our port which will become a National hub for the renewables industry”, said Gunn.

Marine construction works for the East Quay started in April 2021, with construction contractor, Farrans Construction, delivering the quay on schedule and on budget, according to GEG.

The East Quay adds to the port’s Inner Dock Quay (240 metres), South Quay (370 metres), West Finger Quay (130 metres long, 40 metres wide with a berth on either side and on the end), and Terminal Jetty, which offers 22-metre LAT water depth.

The deep-water quayside is complemented by an extensive laydown area both adjacent to the quay and within the 740,000 square metres site.

The quayside also features multiple project offices for clients, on-site accommodation, and a range of on-site services, including mobile and crawler cranes, stevedoring and ships agency services.

The new East Quay, which offers 12-metre LAT water depth, has been supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government.

“The Highlands and Islands region has many natural advantages for renewable energy development and the transition to a net zero economy, and our ports and harbours have a vital role to play. Port of Nigg has been a key player in the energy sector for many years, particularly in the growth of renewables“, said Stuart Black, Chief Executive of Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

The port boasts some of the largest construction and assembly facilities in Europe, a large dry dock, expansive laydown areas with high ground bearing capacity, and deep water quayside.

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