Peel Ports Clydeport is set to channel up to £150 million into the Hunterston marine yard in Ayrshire, aiming to transform it into a pivotal support hub for the UK’s burgeoning offshore wind sector. This investment marks a significant step forward in bolstering the offshore wind supply chain on the UK’s west coast.

Strategic development for offshore wind

With the increasing demand for offshore wind resources, Peel Ports Group is actively preparing the Hunterston site to attract major projects in this sector. A formal planning application for the site’s redevelopment has been submitted, initiating a competitive tender process for developers expected to start soon. Planned enhancements include major upgrades to the marine yard’s infrastructure and utility services, such as infilling the existing dry-dock basin and constructing a new quay wall.

Commitment to renewable energy and local economy

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director – Port Services at Peel Ports Group, expressed the company’s commitment to advancing Scotland's renewable energy capabilities. "Scotland has the reputation, infrastructure, and talent to support and expand offshore renewable energy projects. Our investment at Hunterston is a step towards realizing our vision for a net-zero future and enhancing the green job sector in the region," said McIntyre.

Public engagement and planning milestones

In preparation for this redevelopment, Peel Ports engaged with the community through a series of public consultations held last year. The project has also received initial expressions of interest from various developers. It is expected to go through an extensive permitting phase, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with hopes to complete the consenting process by year-end, followed by a two-year construction timeline.

Broad-scale transformation and future prospects

The Hunterston project is part of a broader initiative to redevelop approximately 320 acres for the Blue and Green economies while preserving 700 acres for natural capital and biodiversity. The site’s transformation from a former coal terminal into a renewable energy hub is already underway, with parts of the site under option for an undersea energy cable factory and an onshore aquaculture facility.

This development is poised to position the Hunterston yard as a leader in supporting renewable energy projects along the west coast of the UK and east coast of Ireland, significantly contributing to the regional and national green economy.