Peterhead Port has signed a deal to help deliver a new offshore wind farm development near Aberdeen Bay.

The Port Authority has agreed to harbour suction bucket jacket foundations for the 11-turbine European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) scheme.

The contract will see the port moor one of the world's largest floating cranes, with a maximum lifting capacity of 5,000 tonnes, and up to six barges that will transport the 11 foundations.

In addition, two supporting offshore construction vessels will be accommodated while a project site office will be established at the harbour for the installation operations, which are due to start later this year.

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The EOWDC project is being developed by Swedish energy group, Vattenfall.

Adam Ezzamel, Vattenfall's project director for the EOWDC, said: "We welcome the selection of the experienced Peterhead Port Authority to marshal the massive steel structures needed for the cutting-edge EOWDC, and which builds on our investment with the project in the north east."

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "This is great news for business in Peterhead, and an indication of the port's growing reputation as a place which can accommodate some of the most challenging and cutting-edge offshore construction requirements, which is thanks in part to a recent £5 million Scottish Government investment to modernise the port, which we announced in December.

"This reinforces the North East of Scotland's status as one of the world's foremost destinations for the deployment of emerging offshore wind technology."

Ian Laidlaw, chief executive at Peterhead Port Authority, added: "The Port Authority is very pleased to be able to play a key role in the EOWDC project as it emphasises Peterhead's experience and the range of services that the Port can offer."

(LM)