Transport Secretary visits Montrose Port for update on port’s strategic importance to renewables sector

Montrose Port Authority welcomed Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, for a visit last week on Wednesday 10th April. 

Ms Hylsop received an overview of port operations, recent business growth in renewable energy and substantial investment in port infrastructure — including the soon to be launched £1 million Plug Shore Power project, which will see Montrose become the first Scottish port to offer shore power to energy support vessels operating in the North Sea. 

During her visit, Ms Hyslop undertook a quayside tour, accompanied by Captain Tom Hutchison, Montrose Port’s Chief Executive, and Robert Bryce, Director of Asset Management Offshore at SSE Renewables.

The £3 billion Seagreen offshore wind farm, a joint venture between SSE Renewables and TotalEnergies, is operated from Montrose and has been key to the port’s transition away from oil and gas towards new business in renewables activities. Ms Hyslop also visited the control room at Seagreen’s operations and maintenance base, located within the port estate. 

Commenting on the visit, Captain Tom Hutchison said: “Montrose is one of Scotland’s more strategically important ports. We already play a critical role as a major global hub for offshore moorings, supporting our North Sea energy sector for decades. 

“There are huge opportunities for Scotland to lead when it comes to the development of offshore wind. We’re establishing a fantastic reputation as the operations and maintenance base for Seagreen. This huge investment in offshore wind has already realised significant jobs and added value to the regional economy.

“With Inch Cape and other offshore wind projects in the pipeline, we’re excited about what the future holds for Montrose.

“It was great to have the opportunity to show the Transport Secretary what we’re doing to invest in our facilities today, capitalise on these opportunities ahead — and to explore how we work more closely with government to unlock this vast potential.”