The construction of Inch Cape’s operations and maintenance base is now underway at Montrose Port in Scotland.
A 600-square-metre warehouse, a 70-metre-long floating pontoon and a number of cranes will be built along the quayside to support work on the 1.1GW project, located off the Angus coast.
Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by early 2027, ahead of Inch Cape’s scheduled commissioning later the same year.
John Hill, project director of Inch Cape said: “The start of work on our O&M base is another great milestone for the project and we are pleased to be working with Montrose Port Authority and Pert Bruce on the construction of these facilities.
“The base will provide a significant number of highly skilled local jobs once in operation.”
Inch Cape has a 15-year maintenance contract with turbine supplier Vestas, both of which will be housed in the new base. A total of around 50 new long-term jobs will be created, including wind turbine technicians, administration and office staff.
Captain Tom Hutchison, CEO at Montrose Port Authority, added: “We’re proud to see construction underway on Inch Cape’s operations and maintenance base here at Montrose, marking a key step forward for this major offshore wind project.
“This investment not only reinforces our position as a strategic hub for offshore renewables but also brings lasting economic benefits through skilled jobs and increased port activity, both essential to our responsibilities as a trust port.
“It’s a significant milestone for Montrose, the region and the national transition to clean energy, and we’re pleased to support the Inch Cape team as they move into this next phase.”
Inch Cape is owned in a 50/50 equal joint venture by ESB and Red Rock Renewables. Once complete, it will generate almost 5 terawatt hours of energy each year – enough to power all the homes in Scotland.
