June 19 - Montrose Port Authority's new chief executive, Nik Scott-Gray said he would target further heavy lift work in his new role at the east coast Scottish port.
"We already handle a lot of North Sea-related work, especially 120-tonne reels, so it's an area we are well used to. We already handle a lot of large project vessels, and it's something we'd like to develop, not only for North Sea oil, but also for offshore or onshore wind power developments."
In an interview with HLPFI, he pointed out that Montrose is close to the major North Sea hub of Aberdeen, but has more capacity for growth.
Following a major quay upgrade programme, Montrose can offer 8 metres of draft on its berths and can handle ships of between 165-170 m long.
Scott-Gray added: "We also have hard standing and heavy lift pads and both our local stevedores, William Whyte and Rix Shipping, have heavy lift cranes available.
"My predecessor, John Paterson, oversaw a GBP6 million (USD9.53 million) programme to create new deep water berths on the north side of the port and there is further quayside development included in the five-year master plan."
The south quay has already been upgraded in a GBP8.5million (USD13.5 million) programme completed three years ago, he added.
Nik Scott-Gray.
