Special feature: Shaping Scotland’s Future

Orkney Future Ports is spearheading Scotland’s transition to green energy, transforming our marine environment into vital catalysts for sustainable economic growth. The unique geographic, natural, and infrastructure assets position Orkney as a leader in offshore renewable energy, offering unparalleled potential in the renewable energy sector.

As we stand at the brink of another industrial revolution, ports like those in Orkney must evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of a net zero future. With the right vision, investment, and collaboration, these coastal hubs can play a transformative role in the energy transition while delivering lasting benefits to communities and the wider economy.

Orkney’s potential in the renewable energy sector is unique. Our islands boast some of the most consistent wind and tidal resources in the world, a long-standing tradition of maritime expertise, and an enviable natural harbour in Scapa Flow, the largest in the northern hemisphere. These assets, combined with existing infrastructure such as Hatston Pier and Lyness, provide a strong foundation for future growth.

The decline of North Sea oil presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Orkney. As traditional energy industries decline, the transition to renewable energy offers a chance to reimagine our ports as hubs for offshore wind, tidal energy, and the blue economy. To seize this opportunity it requires bold action and strategic investment.

Scotland is already a global leader in offshore wind, with project pipelines such as ScotWind and INTOG showcasing the scale of opportunity in our waters. For Orkney, the offshore wind sector represents a transformational economic prospect.

By upgrading our facilities to accommodate the assembly, staging, and maintenance of offshore wind turbines, we can position Orkney as a key player in the supply chain. The development of a deep-water quay in Scapa Flow remains a central element of this vision, ensuring our ports are equipped to handle the demands of large-scale renewable energy projects.

Our ambition is not just to support the industry but to lead it. Through partnerships with developers, supply chain companies, and educational institutions, we aim to create a skilled local workforce capable of delivering on the promise of offshore wind.

The decline of North Sea oil presents both a challenge and an opportunity

Building on the success of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), there are opportunities to expand tidal and wave energy projects and integrate them into the local economy. Supporting this sector as it looks to achieve a commercial market is a key part of our strategy.

Our facilities offer critical logistical support for renewable energy projects, particularly tidal energy deployment and maintenance. Plans to extend Hatston Pier to a 685-metre quay with eight hectares of new land will create a bespoke multi-user facility, accommodating offshore wind operations, maintenance, and ongoing cruise and ferry activities. 

Meanwhile, the former Royal Navy base at Lyness provides 10 hectares of land for storage and smaller-scale operations behind a modern quay. The potential new deep-water facility in Scapa Flow can provide extensive laydown space and a long quay, ideal for assembly and integration activities, seamlessly connecting with Scapa Flow’s marshalling and wet storage capabilities. 
So, in order to do this, how do we build resilience? Put simply, innovation is the cornerstone of a successful energy transition. For Orkney’s ports to remain competitive and fit for purpose, we must embrace cutting-edge technologies and approaches.

‘Stepping-stone’ projects, such as smaller-scale floating wind developments, are vital to driving innovation and reducing costs. These initiatives allow us to test new technologies, attract investment, and build the skills needed for future large-scale projects.

By fostering a culture of innovation, we can ensure that Orkney stays ahead in the global race to create the products and services that will power the green economy.

The transition to renewable energy is not just about infrastructure—it’s about people. At Orkney Future Ports, the project arm of Orkney Harbours owned by Orkney Islands Council, there is a commitment to ensuring that the economic benefits of the green revolution are felt across our communities.

Investing in skills and training is a top priority. By working with local schools, colleges, and energy companies, we aim to create pathways into renewable energy careers for young people. Apprenticeships, internships, and training programmes will help us build a homegrown workforce while reducing reliance on external labour.

We also recognise the need to address housing shortages and demographic challenges. Expanding affordable housing for workers and their families is essential to supporting a growing workforce and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our community.

One of the most significant opportunities presented by renewable energy is the potential to grow local supply chains. By supporting Orkney businesses to become part of the offshore wind and tidal energy sectors, we can amplify the economic impact of these industries.

Assembly, integration, marshalling, vessel support, and other critical supply chain activities offer a chance to create high-quality jobs and ensure that the benefits of energy projects are shared across the region. Through targeted engagement with developers and suppliers, we are working to make Orkney a centre of excellence.

Our approach to port development is grounded in sustainability. We believe that environmental stewardship must go hand in hand with economic growth.

Every project we undertake is guided by a commitment to minimise environmental impacts and protect Orkney’s unique ecosystems. We are also ensuring that the economic benefits of renewable energy are reinvested into public services, creating a positive social impact for our residents.

Realising this vision requires collaboration at every level. At Orkney Future Ports, we are working closely with local stakeholders, government bodies, and industry leaders to ensure our ports are ready for the demands of the energy transition.

This includes engaging with offshore wind developers to understand their needs, working with the Scottish and UK governments to secure funding, and partnering with academic institutions to drive research and innovation.

Orkney is at a crossroads. By embracing the opportunities of renewable energy and investing in our ports, we can secure a sustainable and prosperous future for our islands.

Our vision is bold, but it is achievable. By leveraging our natural advantages, fostering innovation, and putting our communities at the heart of the energy transition, Orkney can set the standard for how ports can drive sustainable growth in a net zero world.

As we look to the future, we invite partners from across Scotland and beyond to join us on this journey. Together, we can ensure that Orkney remains a cornerstone of the green energy revolution, delivering benefits that will be felt for generations to come.

This article is sponsored by Orkney Future Ports.

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