Green Freeport

The Port of Nigg is a key strategic site within the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport - one of only two Scottish regions awarded Green Freeport status by the UK and Scottish Governments in 2023.

Unlocking Opportunity for the Region

As part of the ICFGF, Nigg has been designated as an approved Tax and Customs Site, means it sits outside the UK’s normal tax & customs rules. It benefits from simplified processes and reduced costs associated with handling goods to and from the area, making it more attractive to current users and those looking to invest.

This Green Freeport designation strengthens the regions position as a nationally significant energy and infrastructure hub, unlocking major inward investment and fast-tracking opportunities across offshore renewables, advanced manufacturing, and green energy innovation.

The strategic enables of the Green Freeport can include:

  • 0% Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for up to 3 years.
  • Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) relief available for land / buildings situated within a tax site.
  • Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) and Enhanced Structures & Buildings Allowance (SBA) reliefs.
  • Up to 100% relief from Business Rates for 5 years.
  • Import Duty Suspension on qualifying non GB goods brought into a Freeport; until they enter the GB domestic market. Qualifying goods exempt if re-exported.
  • Simplified Import Declarations.

Nigg’s Role in the Green Freeport

As one of the UK’s leading renewable energy port facilities, the Port of Nigg is at the centre of delivering tomorrow’s energy infrastructure. Our deepwater quayside, extensive laydown capacity, and growing manufacturing footprint make us uniquely placed to support the delivery of large-scale offshore wind projects and net-zero supply chains.

Through our involvement in the Green Freeport, we are aim to:

  • Accelerate the UK’s net zero targets by supporting offshore wind manufacturing, assembly, and deployment at scale
  • Attract investment in sustainable infrastructure, high-value manufacturing and innovation
  • Create high-quality local jobs and long-term career opportunities
  • Enable regional regeneration through supply chain development and collaboration across public and private sectors


Image Credit: Seagreen Wind Energy Ltd

A Catalyst for Growth

The Green Freeport initiative brings targeted tax, customs and regulatory incentives to encourage investment and innovation. It will maximise local and Scotland-wide benefits from a pipeline of renewable energy projects and place the Highlands at the heart of the drive towards net-zero, creating up to 11,300 jobs locally, 18,300 across the UK and stimulating inward investment of £6.5bn.

For the Port of Nigg and wider Global Energy Group, it reinforces our long-term commitment to supporting energy transition, economic growth and sustainable development in the Highlands.

To learn more about the Green Freeport, please get in touch or visit https://greenfreeport.scot/

Learn more about the ICFGF and view our 360-degree tour: