Forth Ports has unveiled plans to invest over GBP10 million (USD14.3 million) to create a new quayside with heavy lift capability at the UK’s Port of Dundee.
The new heavy-duty quayside and onshore operational area will help position the Port of Dundee at the forefront of the North Sea oil and gas decommissioning and offshore wind sectors, says Forth Ports.
Coupled with a deepwater berth and 60 acres (24.2 ha) of land area, the quayside at the east end of the Scottish port will be developed to create a 200 m long quay with heavy lift capability, as well as an ultra-heavy lift pad at one end.
“This is an important, privately funded investment for the Port of Dundee which is ideally placed to service the needs of North Sea oil and gas, decommissioning and Scotland’s offshore wind sector over the coming years,” said Forth Ports chief executive Charles Hammond.
With work beginning immediately, the construction process is scheduled to take 18 months to complete. Upon completion, the quayside will be 200 m longer than it currently is, with a strength capability of 80 tonnes per sq m.
The strengthened quayside will be equipped to handle a number of marine projects, such as offshore anchor and chain servicing, and offshore wind turbine assembly and deployment activities, as well as North Sea oil and gas decommissioning projects, said Forth Ports.