GLOBAL Port Services Shipping (GPSS) has landed a multi-million-pound contract to provide marine logistics and vessel support to Seaway7 for its scope of work on Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.
As part of the deal, Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon will operate as the intermediate port for the Seaway Alfa Lift, a heavy lift crane vessel that will make multiple port calls at Invergordon.
The deep water port at Invergordon will serve as a project operations base for the duration of the contract, with GPSS collaborating with multiple Global group companies, including Global Port Services Projects, Global Crane Services and SB Services – as well as local subcontractors – to provide labour, plant and resource support during four port calls totalling 90 days.
The first port call was in March, with the Seaway Alfa Lift spending four weeks in port ahead of transition pieces for the wind farm being loaded at Port of Leith. Over 100 local skilled personnel per day serviced the ship during this period, including painters, welders, electricians and scaffolders.
The second port call is scheduled for later this summer. In preparation for the project, over 100 truck-loads of equipment have already been delivered to Port of Cromarty Firth, as well as multiple equipment shipments arriving by sea.
Simon Marshall, shipping director, Global Port Services Shipping, said, “We’re delighted to be supporting Seaway7 in our vital role as intermediate port for Inch Cape, which is set to be one of Scotland’s largest offshore wind farms, supporting the UK’s drive to net zero and greater energy security. It’s a privilege to welcome Seaway Alfa Lift for its first UK port calls and the benefit, in terms of jobs and for the local supply chain, will be significant.”
Joanne Allday, head of strategy and business development at Port of Cromarty Firth, added, “The Inch Cape project is the latest wind farm to take advantage of the port’s sheltered, deep-water berths, and of the experience and track record of local people and businesses. We have supported wind farm construction for over 20 years, and projects such as this demonstrate the capabilities of Scotland’s ports and supply chain in enabling critical domestic energy production.”
When complete, Inch Cape will be one of Scotland’s largest offshore wind farms. Sited 15km off the Angus coast, it will feature 72 turbines, generating enough green energy to power more than half of Scotland’s homes.
