SSE has named Aberdeen-based Seaway7, part of the Subsea7 group, as preferred supplier for the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) scope on its 1.4GW Berwick Bank B offshore wind project, a move expected to support 465 UK jobs, including 400 in Scotland.

The agreement lifts the total number of roles created or supported through SSE’s Berwick Bank B commitments to around 600 across the UK, with more than 500 of these in Scotland so far.

UK Government Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: "This is what reindustrialising Scotland looks like: good jobs, built on the skills of Scottish workers, delivering the power our country needs. “This contract will support hundreds of jobs and strengthen Scotland’s role in the energy supply chain. It means more opportunity for Scottish workers and more homegrown power to protect families from the volatility of global fossil fuel markets."

Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism & Transport Stephen Flynn said: "Scotland is at the forefront of the global energy transition and this announcement of 400 jobs in Scotland is another example of our strength in renewables, and the significant impact our offshore wind industry is having by creating high-quality, well-paid jobs in the North East and across the country. “The Scottish Government is ensuring that people right across Scotland can benefit from that growth with a commitment to invest up to £500 million in supporting critical offshore wind port infrastructure and the supply chain, helping to attract investment, create jobs and further strengthen confidence in Scotland as a destination for offshore wind development. “By matching Scotland’s world-class energy expertise with the opportunities offshore wind and renewables are creating, we will deliver lasting economic benefits for generations to come."

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Subject to final contract award, Seaway7 will design, supply and install the project’s offshore turbine foundations and subsea inter-array cables. Berwick Bank B is planned for the outer Firth of Forth, about 38km off the Scottish Borders coast.

Within the 465 roles expected to be supported by Seaway7’s scope, around 160 will be direct positions at Seaway7, led from its Aberdeen base, and approximately 105 are anticipated across the UK supply chain. A further c.200 direct and indirect jobs are due to arise from turbine foundation marshalling at a Scottish port, to be confirmed by SSE and Seaway7 in due course.

The announcement adds to previously disclosed employment linked to the project, including 100 long-term roles and around 30 construction jobs at the planned operations and maintenance base at Montrose Port, reinforcing the total of more than 500 jobs in Scotland and around 600 UK-wide linked to Berwick Bank B to date.

If contracted, this would become the third EPCI agreement between SSE and Seaway7, following the Beatrice and Seagreen offshore wind farms. The EPCI scope is expected to cover around 90 fixed-bottom turbine foundations in average water depths of 52 metres, reaching up to 59.7 metres, which would make Berwick Bank B the world’s deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind farm upon completion. Seaway7 plans to deploy the Seaway Alfa Lift, Seaway Strashnov and Seaway Phoenix installation vessels for the campaign.

The preferred supplier appointment remains subject to a final contract award and SSE’s final investment decision on Berwick Bank B, which is targeted for late next year.