BP, EnBW pick marshalling port for 2.9-GW offshore wind project in Scotland

UK oil and gas major BP Plc (LON:BP) and German electric utility EnBW Energie Baden-Wuerttemberg AG (ETR:EBK) have selected the Port of Leith as the marshalling port for their 2.9-GW Morven wind project in Scottish waters.

The parties have sealed a reservation and collaboration agreement with Forth Ports, the operator of Scotland's largest enclosed deepwater port, the latter said on Wednesday.

As announced last year, Forth Ports will spend some GBP 50 million (USD 59.8m/EUR 59.2m) to create a renewable energy hub within a 175-acre site at the Port of Leith. The plan envisages the creation of a marine berth capable of accommodating the world’s largest offshore wind installation vessels. The facility is seen to become operational by end-2023.

The Morven wind farm will be installed within an area for which BP and EnBW secured a lease option in the ScotWind Leasing round earlier this year. The specific area, known as E1, is a site of around 860-sq km (332 sq miles) located some 60 km (37.3 miles) off the coast of Aberdeen.

Once up and running, the Morven wind farm will generate enough electricity to supply more than three million homes.

“The project’s investment will support the Port of Leith with its transformation into a renewables hub and help position Forth Ports for future Scottish offshore wind projects,” said Richard Haydock, Project Director Offshore Wind at BP.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.195/EUR 1.183)

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