Scrabster Harbour

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Published: 02/09/2008 12:19

SCRABSTER HARBOUR TRUST - PRESS RELEASE

SCRABSTER’S £15 MILLION PLAN FOR GROWTH IN OIL AND RENEWABLES TRAFFIC

Scrabster Harbour Trust today unveiled a £15 million blueprint for growth in traffic servicing the offshore oil, gas and renewable sectors.
A new deepwater quay and adjacent backup land within the ports’ existing deep-water basin is planned to meet growing demand from the Atlantic Frontier and the expected development of the Pentland Firth as a major tidal energy supplier.

The project would create a modern supply base and enable the port to offer the same range of supplies as found in the more distant east coast ports.

Subject to funding, the work is planned to begin in 2008 and take 2-3 years to complete. Construction work is expected to generate significant job opportunities, particularly for local firms.

The announcement was made in Aberdeen by trust chairman William Calder on the opening day of Offshore Europe. The trust is an exhibitor at Europe’s premier oil and gas event.

A second development will see a seven-figure investment to modernise the existing oil tanker quay. The quay will be heightened and additional pier space created, ensuring that the new generation of oil tankers can continue to access Scrabster to deliver vital supplies. The trust expects the outline design and funding applications to be complete by the end of 2007. Subject to finalising the finance and grant package and obtaining statutory consents, construction will take place in 2008-09.

“Both developments will offer considerable benefits for our stakeholders,” said William Calder.

“The new quay space will build on previous infrastructure developments and the port’s growing reputation as a player in the oil sector. The oil exploration and production prospects in the Shetland-Faroes basin remain strong. The works will enhance Scrabster’s ability to accommodate the increased demand from oil supply boat traffic and the marine logistics required to support development on the Atlantic Frontier and service the needs of the emerging renewable sector closer to home.”

“We wish now to engage with the energy sector and other agencies to ensure that the final shape of the development addresses their current and future needs.”

“These developments will consolidate Scrabster as a significant hub of economic activity and bring significant economic benefits to Caithness and the Highlands. Against a backdrop of uncertainty regarding the socio-economic future of Caithness as the Dounreay nuclear plant is decommissioned, Scrabster’s proposals offer the potential to build on existing assets and local skills and significantly help to deliver a sustainable future.”

“The second project reflects the trust’s duty to its stakeholders and the community particularly our environmental responsibilities. Unless this work is undertaken fuel supplies into the main fuel depot at Scrabster would have to revert to road at a potentially high environmental and delivery cost.”
ends

Notes

1. William Calder, Chairman and Sandy Mackie, Manager Scrabster Harbour Trust will be available for interview at Stand 1375 at Offshore Europe, 4-7 September 2007. Please contact Sandy Mackie, Trust Manager on 07825 264365

2. Scrabster Harbour is a trust port, which, as part of its mandate means that all profits are re-invested in the harbour, for the benefit of the stakeholders of the Trust.

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