Up to 180 new jobs are being created in the Scottish Highlands to support the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the 3.6 GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the North Sea.
The roles will be based at Maraen Port of Nigg near Inverness, serving as the marshalling harbour where turbine components will be prepared for Dogger Bank B and C phases.
This announcement follows a visit by Stephen Gethins MSP, Scottish Government Energy Minister, to the deepwater port and Green Freeport. Positions include project managers, port operators, and technicians for turbine pre-assembly. Recruitment has begun, with roles supporting activities until Dogger Bank’s completion in mid-2028.
An economic impact report predicts the project will generate GBP 6.1 billion for the UK economy and support thousands of jobs. Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a GBP 9-billion joint venture between SSE (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%), delivered in three 1.2 GW phases. Turbine installation at Dogger Bank B is ongoing after the phase A campaign concluded. Offshore installation at Dogger Bank C will start next year.
“Scotland’s ports are well positioned for the energy transition and offshore wind growth. Maraen Port of Nigg exemplifies this by boosting economic opportunities and supporting supply chain businesses,” Energy Minister Stephen Gethins stated.
SSE is leading construction with 277 offshore wind turbines installed by turbine supplier GE Vernova across all phases. The new jobs will oversee pre-assembly of GE Vernova’s 13 MW and 14 MW Haliade X turbine components, which will be prepared at the port before transportation and installation at the Dogger Bank B and C sites.
Upon completion in mid-2028, Dogger Bank will produce six percent of the UK’s electricity demand, significantly impacting the supply of clean energy.
“Dogger Bank Wind Farm is delivering economic benefits for Scotland and the UK. Nigg’s facilities and skilled workforce will play a vital role in turbine installation activities for Dogger Bank B and C, strengthening the UK offshore wind supply chain,” Steve Wilson, Offshore Wind Director at SSE Renewables, expressed.
Maraen Port of Nigg was chosen as the marshalling harbour for the B and C phases of Dogger Bank Wind Farm in May 2026. Operated by Maraen, the facility is a leading UK deepwater port for the energy industry and a designated Green Freeport.
The port’s deep-water quays and heavy ground loading capabilities make it ideal for supporting large-scale offshore wind projects. Since 2018, Nigg has supported four consecutive offshore wind farm campaigns, including SSE’s Seagreen and Beatrice projects.
“Building on our experience with SSE’s offshore wind farms, this work demonstrates Nigg’s infrastructure and capabilities developed to support large-scale projects efficiently,” Yoshihiro Hayakawa, CEO and Managing Director at Maraen, mentioned.
The jobs at Maraen Port of Nigg add to the economic benefits Dogger Bank Wind Farm has been delivering across Scotland. In 2021, contracts awarded to Aberdeen-based North Star Group created about 170 UK-based jobs, boosting Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz