About Us
Our port is critical to the UK’s energy industry, supporting oil and gas projects such as inspection, repair and maintenance of oil and gas drilling rigs and subsea vessels, and construction of renewable energy projects, including onshore and offshore wind marshalling. We are also one of Scotland’s busiest cruise ports, acting as a gateway to the Highlands for the region’s tourism sector.
About Port of Cromarty Firth
The Port of Cromarty Firth is a leading Trust Port and a powerhouse of the Highland economy. We have served the region and Scotland for over five decades, generating £275 million annually to the economy and supporting the high value and exciting employment in the area. Our priority continues to be balancing economic, social and environmental sustainability to develop, improve and safeguard the Cromarty Firth on behalf of our stakeholders.
Our success to date has been achieved by embracing new industries and enhancing our infrastructure, to capitalise on opportunities and growth markets. Based on the natural, deep sheltered waters of the Cromarty Firth, our modern facilities allow us to have a highly diverse business portfolio based around an ‘Open Port’ philosophy, targeted towards our primary sectors – onshore and offshore wind, cruise, and oil & gas.
The Port of Cromarty Firth is at the heart of a green energy revolution and there is nowhere in the country better placed to take advantage of this seismic shift in energy generation. The Cromarty Firth has supported more offshore wind projects than any other Scottish location, with this track record of success established through modern port infrastructure, a world-class supply chain and a highly skilled workforce.
Driving Progress
At the forefront of Scotland’s expanding green, home-grown energy movement, the Port of Cromarty Firth’s modern facilities, sheltered waters and skilled workforce put us ahead in offshore wind projects and inspection, repair and maintenance work scopes.
Our collaboration with Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport unites private, public, and academic stakeholders to establish a strategic renewable energy hub. This partnership holds the potential for continuous supply chain opportunities and the creation of valuable employment and business opportunities. Given the Cromarty Firth’s capacity to host multi-billion-pound offshore renewable energy projects, it stands as a pivotal hub for future expansion and transformation, especially for the emerging floating offshore wind sector.
Our dedication to the Highland economy and local communities has earned us recognition. As Business of the Year and Coastal Powerhouse at the 2020 Maritime UK Awards, we proudly stand as a symbol of maritime excellence in Scotland. These awards, and our leadership of the region’s successful Green Freeport bid, reflect our commitment to driving economic progress while supporting our communities.
Our History
Our legacy spans over two centuries, and Cromarty Firth’s story has evolved from a modest 13th-century settlement, Inverbreakie, into a thriving port by the 18th century. The Royal Navy’s presence during pivotal moments, like the Jacobite uprisings, shaped its significance. Invergordon emerged as a notable town, thanks to Sir John Gordon’s influence and the MacLeods of Cadboll’s harbor development.
The 20th century saw Cromarty Firth’s role expand—hosting naval fleets in wars, bearing the tragedy of HMS Natal’s explosion, and experiencing the peaceful Invergordon Mutiny during the Great Depression. When World War II altered its naval functions, it became a hub for flying boats and aircraft squadrons.
Modernisation took root with the establishment of the Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA) in 1973, supporting the oil and gas industry. The 90s brought growth and investment, propelling the port’s role in oil rig inspection, repair, and maintenance (IRM) projects. Amidst changes, Cromarty Firth remained a bastion of resilience and adaptability.
Today, the port thrives as a leading hub for renewables in the north of Scotland and is at the heart of the energy transition.
This story propels us forward, steering progress and sustainability.
With our legacy as our compass and history as our guide, the Port of Cromarty Firth moves confidently into the future. Through innovation, strong economies, and environmental stewardship, we journey towards a greener, brighter horizon, staying steadfast in our pursuit of progress.
