Record cruise liner visitors – including the berthing of the biggest luxury ships in the world – and offshore wind farm construction gave the Port of Cromarty Firth its best ever year in 2018.
According to its annual review, turnover was £11.4 million, up £1.5 million from the previous turnover record.
As a port trust, all surplus income is reinvested into future development for the benefit of the local area and its stakeholders. Last year, the Port generated £4.1 million surplus income (before tax).
The Port won a £10.6 million contract from the Moray East offshore windfarm, which paved the way for a £31 million investment in a new quayside. 2018 saw increased drilling activity in the North Sea and the Port welcomed nine oil rig Inspection, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) projects, the highest since 2010.
The Port also celebrated 40 years of welcoming cruise ships into the Cromarty Firth. In 2018, the cruise sector continued to go from grow with 95 ships and 163,000 passengers visiting the Highlands, making it the busiest cruise port in Scotland.
Bob Buskie, chief executive of Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “Not only was 2018 a record year in terms of turnover and surplus, it was a year in which we saw strong activity in all market segments. Our new cruise record equates to an 11% increase in the number of passengers, following on from last year’s 54% increase.
“2018 finished with the successful award of a major contract for the Moray East offshore windfarm against national and international competition; proving once again that our region is extremely competitive and that people in the Highlands have the necessary expertise and skills to deliver any North Sea energy project.
He said this unlocked Phase 4 funding of £31 million for the berth and laydown area work which has begun.
“This is another significant investment which will bring value to the Highlands for decades to come. When completed in Spring 2020 this energy and cruise hub will deliver additional space for the different industries that visit the Firth and the construction of the new berth is expected to generate over 100 jobs.”
A local content clause in the tender for the Phase 4 development resulted in Roadbridge UK Ltd as a successful bidder, while employability workshops have been held with Inverness Prison, supported by both Invergordon and Cromarty Community Development Trusts.
Vice chairman Roger Eddie, said: “These results are a direct outcome of the dedication shown by every member of the Port’s staff. We have one of the highest performing teams of any port in the UK; with financial productivity per head being higher than any other similar port.”
“The growth we have experienced in recent years and the investment the Port has made in securing opportunities for the local area are now recognised at a regional and national level. The Port is now acknowledged as a national strategic asset and, as a result, the Port is playing an increasing role in regional development.
The Port exists to benefit its diverse stakeholder groups. This includes staff and customers, businesses throughout the region, local communities and local and national Government.
