Montrose Port Authority (MPA) is set to embark on a major expansion with the acquisition of Montrose Commercial Park and the adjacent former Charleton Maternity Home site.

This strategic, multi-million-pound investment is a key element of MPA’s ongoing masterplanning initiative, aimed at meeting the growing demand for industrial space to support Scotland’s offshore energy sector and drive the nation’s energy transition. 

MPA is exploring future development options for the site with Scottish Enterprise who recognise significance of the proposals and the transformational impact from the future growth projects.

The purchase from Equipco Investments Ltd encompasses 45 acres of prime real estate, formerly home to Petrofac’s fire safety training facility and the now-demolished Charleton House which used to function as a maternity hospital. 

This acquisition and development take the port’s footprint from 59 acres to 104 and will strengthen Montrose Port’s position as a key player in the renewable energy sector. Scotland’s east coast is rapidly becoming a hub for the sector and MPA, in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise, is poised to provide the critical infrastructure needed to capitalise on this growing industry and generate substantial economic impacts. Existing tenants of Montrose Commercial Park will continue their operations, with all their tenancy agreements being honoured.

Tom Hutchison, Chief Executive of Montrose Port Authority, said: “As a trust port, our mission is to drive sustainable growth that benefits our entire community. This landmark expansion amplifies our impact far beyond nearly doubling our footprint. We’re creating opportunities for new businesses, local jobs, and economic growth, while positioning Montrose at the forefront of Scotland’s energy transition.

“Our vision looks to the long term. We are laying the groundwork for future generations, ensuring Montrose remains pivotal in both traditional and renewable energy sectors. We’re proud to be a driving force for Scotland’s green energy future, catalysing growth and creating positive change that will resonate for decades to come.”

Suzanne Sosna, Director of Energy Transition at Scottish Enterprise commented: “This is an exciting opportunity to further develop port related infrastructure at a strategic site as part of our national Energy Transition mission. We are exploring potential options for investment and promotion with MPA alongside the port masterplanning which together will generate significant additional economic impacts for Scotland.”

The new initiative will complement Montrose’s growing position as one of the world’s leading Operations & Maintenance (O&M) hubs for offshore wind. Montrose is the O&M base for Seagreen, Scotland’s largest operational offshore wind farm, and the upcoming Inch Cape offshore wind project. Once Inch Cape is fully operational, Montrose Port is expected to support 2.5GW of offshore wind capacity, reinforcing its pivotal role in the global offshore energy market.

MPA’s expansion builds on ongoing projects, including the current transformation of the historic Customs House on Meridian Street into a modern commercial space and community hub, further highlighting MPA’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.

This exciting development comes on the heels of several major milestones for Montrose Port. Recently named SME Port of the Year at the 2024 British Ports Association Awards, MPA was recognised for surpassing financial targets, supporting over 70 local schools, organisations, and charities and spearheading the Customs House redevelopment.

Earlier this year, MPA also became the first port in the UK to provide large-scale industrial shore power for vessels in the energy sector through its self-funded joint venture Plug Montrose facility with Norwegian leading shore power specialist Plug, further solidifying Montrose Port’s role as an innovative leader in the maritime and energy sectors.

When asked for comment on the purchase, Angus Council Leader, Bill Duff, said: “Supporting the growth of the economy is a key priority for Angus Council. This announcement shows how the port is playing a vital role in capitalising on opportunities within the energy sector to support local jobs, increase capacity to support the growing clean energy sector and continue to establish Montrose and Angus as a key player in the green economy.”