The company has initiated a major redevelopment of the 450-acre Ardersier Port site, formerly the McDermott Yard. This transformation aims to turn the site into a premier energy transition facility, thus harnessing its potential for significant offshore wind projects and further energy transition opportunities.

The port’s redevelopment is set to stimulate local employment, bolster the supply chain, contribute to the net zero goal, and bring broader benefits to local communities and the Highland economy.

Haventus is fortified by an initial investment of £300 million from Quantum Energy Partners, a US-based investment firm that channels private capital into the worldwide energy sector.

Haventus CEO Lewis Gillies said: “Haventus is delighted to become a member of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport consortium. Green freeport status will deliver a range of investment incentives for port users, designed to facilitate international trade and stimulate local economic growth.

“At a point in time when we have the most exciting energy opportunity for Scotland and the UK since the discovery of North Sea oil and gas, it was important for us to become a member of the Green Freeport, which will deliver significant benefits for businesses and communities in the region. We look forward to working with our consortium partners to deliver these.”

Speaking on behalf of ICFGF, chair Jim Smith welcomed Haventus to the consortium. He said: “We are delighted that Haventus has joined the consortium. It brings a fifth port facility into the Green Freeport and aligns with the Freeport’s objectives of facilitating offshore windfarm construction and accelerating Scotland’s transition to net zero.

“Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is perfectly positioned to become a thriving hub for the renewables industry. Green Freeport status will build a pipeline of sustainable jobs that will benefit not only Scotland, but the wider UK.”

The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport Ltd is a company limited by guarantee and was borne out of Opportunity Cromarty Firth, the consortium which led the successful bid to become a Green Freeport.

The award by the Scottish and UK governments is expected to “revolutionise” the Highland economy and stimulate major new manufacturing activity locally and elsewhere in Scotland and the UK.

ICGFF, backed by more than thirty local, national, and international businesses, public sector organisations and academic bodies, is confident that the Green Freeport will amplify the benefits from a pipeline of renewable energy projects for the local community and Scotland at large.

This aligns with the Highlands’ vision to be at the forefront of the drive towards net-zero while creating tens of thousands of jobs. This will also help reverse decades of depopulation in the region, giving young people the choice to stay and work in exciting green careers in the Highlands.