Lerwick Port Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Irish energy firm ESB that will see both companies work together on developing port facilities for a floating offshore wind farm.
The 500 MW floating offshore wind energy project has been proposed off the east of Shetland. The two companies will work together to develop port solutions to deliver the offshore project, and for ongoing operations and maintenance activities. Calum Grains, chief executive at Lerwick Port Authority, said: “The agreement is a significant step in our drive to be a major support centre for the offshore wind industry. It will provide the framework to deliver the requirements of ESB’s wind farm and develop our comprehensive facilities, building on our decades of oil and gas experience. Our involvement will underpin our advancing plans for an ultra-deepwater quay and additional laydown at the deepwater Dales Voe Base which will service the energy sector.”
Seabed development rights were awarded to ESB in 2022 by Crown Estate Scotland through the ScotWind leasing process. Currently in early-stage development, the project is in a 100 sq km area identified in the Scottish government’s Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind. It is approximately 40 km off Shetland, in water depths between 100-130 m.
