A SCOTTISH port securing a multi-million-pound loan from government-backed banks has been hailed as “hugely significant” by John Swinney.
Haventus, owner of Ardersier Port near Inverness – which is part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth green freeport – announced today (Monday) it will be receiving a £100 million joint credit facility from the Scottish National Investment bank and the UK Infrastructure Bank.
The First Minister said he was “delighted” as he made a visit to the port to carry out "ground breaking".
Delighted to carry out ground breaking at this hugely significant investment in Ardersier. This project will bring enormous benefit to the Highlands and anchor Scotland’s offshore renewable sector. Helping deliver economic growth and net zero. https://t.co/YuTIuUV81j
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) May 13, 2024
“This project will bring enormous benefit to the Highlands and anchor Scotland’s offshore renewable sector,” he said.
“Helping deliver economic growth and net zero.”
The port is looking to support offshore wind farms in the area, aided by a total of £400m invested into Haventus so far.
In 2023, the project also received £300m from energy investment firm Quantum Capital Group.
READ MORE: Highlands green freeport tax sites 'live and active soon'
Green freeport chief executive Calum MacPherson said: “Today’s announcement is a huge boost for Haventus’ plans to develop a nationally significant infrastructure facility to support industrial-scale development of fixed and floating offshore wind.
“It is great news for the Port of Ardersier and the Highlands and again underlines the growing confidence in the market and in Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.”
Haventus chief executive Lewis Gillies said: "We are delighted to have secured the support of the two banks as important partners in this nationally significant project.
"With their support, and that of Quantum, Ardersier Port is poised to become a critical offshore wind hub and an important job creator and enabler.
"It will play a crucial role in helping the country meet its net zero ambitions."
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