Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport News
New custom site designation strengthens position of Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport as a world-leading renewables hub
- Port of Nigg becomes first site in the green freeport to be awarded customs site status by HMRC
· Designation incentivises the offshore wind sector and wider energy industry to move heavy engineering through the port
· Status supports the green freeport’s ambition to position the region at the heart of the drive to net zero and create a legacy for the Scottish Highlands
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) has achieved another significant development milestone with the awarding of customs site status to Port of Nigg – a move that will solidify the north of Scotland’s position as a world-leading hub for the renewables sector.
The designation – granted by HMRC after a stringent audit and verification process – provides incentives that will pave the way for greater volumes of heavy engineering components such as offshore wind foundations, manufactured HV/DC cables, wind turbine generator components and fabricated steel structures to pass through the port.
A customs site is a designated area within the green freeport that sits outside the UK’s normal customs rules. It benefits from simplified processes and reduced costs associated with handling goods to and from the area, making it more attractive to current users and those looking to invest.
ICFGF needed to have at least one operational customs site to enable the Scottish and UK governments to approve its full business case. That final phase in the administrative process is now expected to happen within a matter of weeks.
Port of Nigg on the Cromarty Firth, operated by Global Energy Group, which is one of the green freeport’s founding partners, was selected as the first candidate to apply for the status due to its existing and well-established processes for security and cargo handling.
Along with the designation of special tax sites that provide incentives to businesses in the green freeport, the custom site status was a critical factor in attracting Sumitomo Electric Ltd to Port of Nigg. The company is currently constructing a £350m subsea cable manufacturing plant there that will create more than 150 highly skilled local jobs.
ICFGF represents a transformational opportunity for the Highlands of Scotland to become an internationally recognised hub for offshore wind and renewable energies. It is poised to deliver more than 10,000 new jobs, over £3bn of inward investment and create a legacy for future generations.
Calum MacPherson, Chief Executive of ICFGF, welcomed the custom site designation and thanked Port of Nigg for driving it forward. The port was required to show that it could meet stringent criteria as an operator, including on site audits conducted by HMRC to review security measures, inventory control processes and operating procedures. These criteria will be regularly reviewed by HMRC.
Mr MacPherson added: “The work and lessons learned will benefit other organisations within the green freeport that want to become customs sites. Port of Nigg has demonstrated the exceptionally high standards organisations will need to meet to operate these HMRC regulated zones.
“Our ports do not handle small consumer goods so we will not see, for example, transit of large volumes of food and drink. Where our ports excel is in the handling of heavy engineering components for the energy sector, and this status significantly raises our potential as a major European hub for offshore wind and renewable energy technologies.
“We’re operating in a global market, but the green freeport levers are enabling the Highlands to compete and – as we’ve seen from the significant inward investment already secured – win on the international stage.”
Rory Gunn, Facilities Director at Port of Nigg, said: “As a large and established hub facility within the energy industry, the customs site status will further enhance our competitiveness, especially in the offshore renewables sector. It will enable us to attract new opportunities and provide benefits to our existing and future clients.
“In the future, we hope that more components for the energy industry will be manufactured and moved through the port and make use of the customs site benefits. The HV/DC cables which will be manufactured at the new Sumitomo Electric factory are a good example of new products that will be loaded in and out of the port.
“The designation is a critical component of the green freeport and is a key driver of inward investment and growth. The customs site status, coupled with the tax site benefits, will make the Port of Nigg a very attractive place for investment and businesses to locate, which in turn creates local jobs and opportunities.”
Businesses using the customs site benefit from duty suspension of imported goods providing they are not imported into the wider UK after leaving the port. Additionally, there are no export duties on products going into use in British waters outside a 12-mile territorial limit or to countries overseas.
It is also possible to store equipment and cargo at the port for long durations without incurring duties, and businesses can use a simplified administrative procedure for documenting the import and export of goods.
Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport appoints new communications partner
Following a competitive procurement process, Aspect: The Strategic Communication Experts has been appointed as the new communications partner for Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF).
This decision reflects ICFGF’s responsibility to ensure value for money in the use of public funds. Through the retendering of our Press & Communications supply contract, we had the opportunity to select a partner whose expertise aligns with our long-term goals.
An employee-owned consultancy with team members based in the Highlands, Aspect has a proven track record in delivering impactful media relations, with strong relationships across energy trade publications and mainstream outlets in the local, national and international sphere. The consultancy also has in-depth government affairs and stakeholder engagement capabilities, leveraging strong connections in Holyrood and Westminster.
This represents an important step in delivering on ICFGF future objectives and the team is excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring.
Scotland’s First Minister supports ambition for Highlands Net Zero Future
- First Minister John Swinney visited Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport partner port, Port of Nigg
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) yesterday (Monday 18, November) welcomed Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney to the Highlands to build support for the ambition to position the region at the heart of a net zero economy.
The First Minister was welcomed by Calum MacPherson, Chief Executive of ICFGF, and Roy MacGregor OBE, Chairman of Global Energy Group. During a tour of Port of Nigg, one of the green freeport’s founding partners, he was introduced to members of the Global Energy Group fabrication team who are involved in a number of significant offshore energy projects.
Mr MacPherson said: “The green freeport represents a transformational opportunity for the Highlands as the largest maritime heavy engineering site in the UK. For our communities, this means more than 10,000 new jobs, over £3 billion of inward investment and a lasting legacy for the next generation.
“In a globally competitive environment, the tax incentives and profile provided by Green Freeport status are critical to our success. Together with partners, we welcomed the opportunity to share our ambition with the First Minister, while demonstrating our potential to become a major European hub for the development of the offshore wind industry and associated renewable energy technologies.”
ICFGF’s Outline Business Case was approved by the Scottish and UK governments in April 2024 and a decision on the Full Business Case is expected soon. Legislation already passed at Westminster, and corresponding legislation in Holyrood, means operators and businesses on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, in Inverness and Ardersier, can already benefit from a package of tax benefits and other incentives.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“Scotland’s Green Freeports stand to make a major contribution to attracting private investment – promoting growth in high-productivity sectors and creating large numbers of good jobs.
“The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport aims to create thousands of local jobs in the Highlands and attract investment in the region of over £3.5bn forecast over the next 5 years alone.
“It will focus on the renewable and low-carbon energy industries, particularly offshore wind and green hydrogen, which will help to drive the transition to net zero.
“Visiting the site was an opportunity to see first-hand the progress that has been made to date – and to get a sense of the scale of the future potential here.
“The Scottish Government will continue to play its part in supporting the success of our two Green Freeports and maximising the benefits for Scotland’s economy.”
Roy MacGregor OBE, Chairman of Global Energy Group said:
“We are delighted to welcome the First Minister to the Port of Nigg to witness firsthand the significant investments made in our facility
“At Global Energy Group, we have a longstanding commitment to the energy transition and have invested heavily in transforming our site and services portfolio to deliver a renewables superhub capable of supporting Scotland’s future Energy ambitions
“Having critical enabling infrastructure at the heart of the Green Freeport, helped secure Scotland’s very first Green Freeport investor, Sumitomo Electric, the first of what we hope are several, high value manufacturers of critical components to the region. We continue to collaborate with industry and our supply chain partners to create further opportunities that will cement the Highland’s leading role, in Scotland’s green energy future.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact Gaby Beaton, Communication Advisor at Aspect: The Strategic Communication Experts, on [email protected] or +44 (0)7869 808150
Picture caption
First Minister John Swinney visits the Port of Nigg, a partner port of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. Pictured (L-R): Calum MacPherson, Chief Executive of ICFGF; First Minister John Swinney; and Roy MacGregor OBE, Chairman of Global Energy Group.
Notes to editors
About Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport Ltd (ICFGF) is set to “revolutionise” the Highland economy, generating significant inward investment and stimulating major new manufacturing activity locally and elsewhere in Scotland and the UK.
It will also play a vital role in the country’s transition from fossil fuels to clean, green energy, while creating new long-term and green employment opportunities.
The company is backed by port owners Port of Cromarty Firth, Global Energy Group at Port of Nigg, Port of Inverness, and Haventus (Ardersier Port), Highland Deephaven, The Highland Council, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Highlands and Islands Enterprise. In total more than 30 regional, national and international businesses, public sector organisations and academic bodies are associated with the initiative.
The creation of the green freeport will maximise local and Scotland-wide benefits from a pipeline of renewable energy projects, placing the Highlands at the heart of the drive towards net-zero and developing world leading capabilities in floating offshore wind and hydrogen production.
Strict protections will ensure the highest standards are followed within the freeport covering planning, the environment and working conditions. A fair work charter has been agreed by all landowners such that the working terns will be more protected within the tax sites than outwith.
The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport Ltd is a company limited by guarantee and was born out of Opportunity Cromarty Firth, the consortium which led the successful bid to become a green freeport.
More information about the green freeport and associate members is available on the ICFGF website.
Tim WinterburnNew base for Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport build on relationship with region’s university
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) has moved to offices at the UHI House education, research and business hub in the Highland capital.
As well as providing space for planned expansion of ICFGF’s small core team, the move builds on the close working relationship between the organisation and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). ICFGF was previously based at the Green House business centre in Inverness.
ICFGF Chief Executive, Calum MacPherson, said: “Our small team of three will increase in number over the next year as we establish the Green Freeport and UHI House is an ideal location for us.
“Not only does it provide the space and facilities we will need for more staff, but it enables us to continue to build on our well-established and close working relationship with UHI.
“The university has been a highly valued part of the ICFGF consortium from the outset and has a critical role in ensuring people across the region are equipped with the wide variety of skills and knowledge needed for the employment opportunities the Green Freeport is creating.
“We have been very well looked after at the Green House over the past 12 months and would like to extend our thanks the team there for all their help and support.”
Set on Inverness Campus behind Raigmore Hospital, off Old Perth Road in Inverness, UHI House was formerly known as the Centre for Health Science.
Alison Wilson, Director of Economic Development and Advancement at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), said: “The relocation of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport to UHI House presents an excellent opportunity for UHI to remain closely engaged with industry and responsive to the needs of the Highlands and Islands.
“UHI House is a wonderful facility, home to a vibrant community of students, staff, NHS partners, and businesses. We’re delighted that the Green Freeport team has chosen to join us here.
“This Green Freeport initiative represents a once-in-a-generation chance to significantly impact our economy by driving demand for education, training, research, and innovation. As a key partner, UHI is committed to supporting the Green Freeport by training the future workforce, advancing research and innovation in the renewable energy sector, and collaborating with both public and private sector partners. Together, we aim to transform the prospects of our region, fostering a vibrant and sustainable economic future.”
UHI’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Vicki Nairn, is one of two new members appointed to the board of ICFGF. Also joining the body is Alex Campbell who recently succeeded Bob Buskie as Chief Executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF).
The Full Business Case for the establishment of ICFGF is currently being considered by the Scottish and UK Governments. It was submitted to Holyrood and Westminster in June, after being endorsed by The Highland Council.
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport signs up to Buy Social Scotland Pledge
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) has signed up to the Buy Social Scotland Pledge.
The national initiative, led by Social Enterprise Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government, aims to strengthen opportunities for social enterprises within the country’s supply chains.
ICFGF signed up to underline its commitment to working with the third sector in the Highlands and to help encourage other companies and organisations to do the same.
Calum MacPherson, Chief Executive of ICFGF, said: “We are proud to join the growing list of companies and organisations that are showing their commitment to strengthening supply chain opportunities for social enterprises by signing up to this Pledge.
“The third sector is a critical part of Scotland’s rural economy, providing a wide range of important services and products as well as creating employment opportunities. People might be surprised to know that in the Highlands and Islands alone in 2021 there were 1,277 social enterprises operating, with 7,228 full time employees and contributing £197m to the area’s economy, according to the most recent census by Scottish Government.
“ICFGF is still in the process of being fully established, but we are firmly committed to ensuring opportunities for social enterprises in our procurement and supply chain and to actively encouraging the many companies and organisations we work with to do the same.”
Launched last year, the Buy Social Scotland Pledge brings together corporate businesses, academic institutions and public sector bodies.
It has five key commitments: recognise Fair Work principles; make a commitment towards a net zero policy; promote social enterprises within the organisation’s procurement and supply chain; agree to prompt payment to its suppliers; and commit to reporting annual spend with social enterprises.
Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport to the Buy Social Scotland Pledge. By prioritising social value in their operations, ICFGF is setting a powerful example of how economic development can go hand in hand with community benefit. Their involvement demonstrates a strong commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable economy, and we look forward to seeing the positive impacts of their collaboration with local social enterprises.
Supporting our young sports stars and future leaders
Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is delighted to be supporting an initiative by the Camanachd Association to enable 43 pupils from Highland secondary schools to hone their shinty skills at the USA Girls Performance Camp.
The seven-day camp, taking place at Lawrenceville School, near New York, provides high quality shinty coaching as well as a rich cultural experience for participants.
Five Highland schools will be represented there: Ardnamurchan High; Kingussie High; Kilchuimen High, Inverness Royal Academy and; Portree High.
ICFGF Chief Executive, Calum MacPherson, said: “Young people currently growing up in the Highlands will play a critical part in the future energy economy of the region.
“As this fantastic initiative shows, there are no barriers to what this up-coming generation can achieve, given the right opportunities. These young people will be tomorrow’s leaders on and off the field.
“ICFGF is delighted to be supporting a scheme helping to create an equal playing field for young women in sports.”
Haventus secures £100 million credit facility from Scottish National Investment Bank and UK Infrastructure Bank
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) has welcomed today’s announcement that Haventus, owners of Ardersier Port, has secured a £100million joint credit facility from the Scottish National Investment bank and the UK Infrastructure Bank.
ICFGF 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.”
For full details, take a look at the Haventus press release.
Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport welcomes “critical milestone”
Establishment of Tax Sites welcomed as a ‘critical milestone’ for Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
Today (Monday April 8) marks the conclusion of the UK legislative process confirming the establishment of Special Tax Sites for Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF). This is the culmination of over four years of work and has been welcomed by the organisation’s Chief Executive, Calum MacPherson.
Mr MacPherson said the move would make the Scottish Highlands a focus of attention from the renewable energy industry around the world, helping bring transformational and lasting benefits to the region.
ICFGF has forecast activity attributable to Green Freeport status at the Tax Sites will lead to the creation of more than 10,000 jobs in the Highlands and Islands and attract over £3billion of fresh investment.
The legislation passed at Westminster, and the corresponding legislation in Holyrood, means operators and business at locations totalling around 520 hectares will be able to benefit from a package of tax benefits and other incentives. The sites include areas on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, in Inverness and at Ardersier.
Mr MacPherson said: “Today’s announcement is a critical milestone in the journey towards the establishment of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. Coupled with the confirmation in last month’s Budget that tax site status has been extended from 5 to 10 years, it is fantastic news for the Highlands and Islands, Scotland and the wider UK.
“Together, our Tax Sites, totalling around 520 hectares, amount, to the largest green engineering development site in the UK. The incentives available will attract world-wide interest and help realise the region’s potential to become the largest European hub for the development of the offshore wind industry and associated renewable energy technologies.
“Although the Green Freeport has only just gained tax site status, it has already been helping make our area the focus of attention for the international renewables industry. It was a key factor in Japanese company Sumitomo’s recently announced plans to develop a cable manufacturing facility at Nigg, in Easter Ross.”
Mr MacPherson continued: “There are currently 20 offshore wind farm developments, representing a combined investment of almost £30bn, being planned, with many of them close to the east coast of the Highlands. Green Freeport status for the area, which has been supported from the outset by the green energy industry, gives us the opportunity to maximise the lasting benefit to the region from that unprecedented opportunity.
“The Highlands and Islands are a focal point for the UK’s transition to renewable energy and the drive towards net-zero. ICFGF’s overarching aspiration is realising the job creation potential of the Green Freeport initiative, not only to halt the decline of the working-age population in our region, but to reverse the trend, while also creating fair pay employment opportunities in other parts of Scotland and the UK.”
The Green Freeport’s Outline Business Case was approved by the Scottish and UK governments in April. The document set out the initiative’s potential to create more than 10,000 new jobs and ICFGF is confident levels of job creation can go further still with broader initiatives connected with the growth of green energy in the area.
Whilst today means the tax benefits within the tax sites become live, a Final Business Case submission is still required and is currently being completed. This is expected to be presented to The Highland Council, as Accountable Body, in the coming weeks. It will then be submitted to the Scottish and UK Governments.
Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport open for business – UK Freeports
