Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse has visited Dundee on a fact-finding visit to learn about the £10 million investment programme to create a hub for future North Sea oil and gas operations and offshore wind projects at the port.
The development will feature the UK’s strongest quayside, specifically designed to equip the port to handle the large scale loads demanded during both decommissioning and renewables projects.
Pictured (centre, above) Wheelhouse was accompanied by Dundee’s two SNP MSPs Joe FitzPatrick and Shona Robison.
Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports plc – which has owned Dundee and Leith harbours since privatisation last century – said: “Dundee is optimally placed to accommodate a significant share of North Sea decommissioning work and offshore wind projects due to its proximity to the North Sea, rail and road links, port facilities, its on-site supply chain and the city’s skilled workforce.”
Wheelhouse commented: “We have had significant success in the decommissioning market, particularly in well plugging and abandonment, and port investment – such as at Dundee – positions Scotland well to maximise opportunities in disposal of the topside infrastructure.
“None of this would be possible without the area’s highly skilled and experienced workforce and, of course, there are valuable opportunities to create many more jobs too.
“Decommissioning is a growing market, with spend forecast to reach £17 billion over the decade to 2025. The Scottish Government is determined to ensure we have the infrastructure we need to allow the world-class Scottish supply chain to compete for, and win, this new work.
“Our action plan and £5 million challenge fund will help ensure Scottish companies can do exactly that.”
24 Aug 2017
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