Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) have chosen Buckie harbour as a contingency base for Beatrice offshore wind farm’s operation and maintenance (O&M) work and for the marine control co-ordination base.
SSE announced last week that Wick will be the main O&M location for the £2.6 billion Beatrice offshore wind farm project, but in the event of poor weather, emergencies or additional harbour capacity Buckie will be used as a contingency for the operation.
Infrastructure will be required to be in place to accommodate this, in addition to the expected ancillary support services required for the project.
The project, due to start construction in spring 2017, is expected to take over the office spaces and bays within the former fishmarket building, and there are plans to use the adjacent quayside in support for marine activity. The new role will fit alongside the existing use of the harbour.
In welcoming the news Councillor John Cowe , Chairman of the Moray Economic Partnership and Chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee on Moray Council said: “This is great news for the area. As well as bringing in direct revenue in the lease of buildings and berths, this will also create a use for the buildings and hopefully support to the local area in indirect jobs in accommodation and contractors. It will also demonstrate to the shipping community what a valuable asset Buckie harbour is.”