1970s–1990s: North Sea Oil & Gas Boom
Established in 1972, the Nigg fabrication yard was developed to support Scotland’s emerging oil and gas industry. Operated by Highland Fabricators (Hi-Fab), the site became a key player in offshore platform construction, servicing and maintenance. At its peak, it employed around 5,000 people and delivered over 30 major projects, including BP Forties Highland, BP Magnus, and Shell Sole Pitt. In 1981, the Nigg Oil Terminal was commissioned as part of the Beatrice oilfield development.
2000s: Decline and Dormancy
In 2000, Brown & Root (KBR) closed the yard. Despite various attempts to sell and community efforts through the Nigg Action Group, the facility fell into disrepair, remaining largely unused for nearly a decade.
2011–2013: Acquisition and Revival
In October 2011, Global Energy Group (GEG) acquired the site, marking a turning point for Nigg and the Highlands. Backed by investment from Mitsui & Co, GEG pursed a sustainable operating model, transforming Nigg into a modern, multi-user energy facility. The Nigg Skills Academy opened in 2012, reviving critical local training and employment. The site’s iconic dry dock returned to use with major projects such as the refurbishment of the GSF Galaxy I rig and the Haewene Brim FPSO upgrade, which saw over 2,500 personnel employed.
2014–2016: Infrastructure Expansion & Renewables Innovation
Completion of the South Quay construction in 2015 significantly expanded the port’s capacity and appeal to the renewables sector. Nigg continued to build on its successful track record within the oil & gas sector and became a testbed for renewable technologies.
2018–2020: Offshore Wind Milestones
Between 2018 & 2020, Nigg played a central role in two of Scotland’s major offshore wind developments:
2021–2023: Growth, Recognition & Green Freeport Status
Construction of the East Quay (225m long, 50m wide) expanded the port’s deep-water quayside to over 1,200m, positioning it to support multiple large-scale projects simultaneously. Nigg supported the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm (1.1GW) - Scotland’s largest and the world’s deepest fixed-bottom wind project - with 114 Jacket foundations stored and handled onsite, as well as the WTGs being pre-assembled and marshalled from the new East Quay.
In 2023, the Port of Nigg was awarded Green Freeport status as part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth consortium. That same year, it welcomed His Majesty The King, who toured the site and observed its role in the UK’s energy transition. Nigg was also selected for the Moray West Offshore Wind Farm, supporting pre-assembly, logistics, and fabrication work for the marshalling of the transition pieces from the East Quay and the WTGs from the South Quay.
2024–2025: Future-Ready Facility
With over 3.5GW of offshore wind assets handled to date, the Port of Nigg is at the forefront of the UK’s offshore and floating wind supply chain. In 2025, it was granted Customs Site designation by HMRC, further enhancing its competitiveness in heavy engineering and manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Global Energy Group is focused on five strategic growth enablers to strengthen Nigg’s position as Scotland’s premier green freeport superhub: