South Korean firm sizes up offshore wind investment

The Cromarty Firth has been central to the offshore energy sector since the 1970s

The world's largest shipbuilding company is exploring opportunities to construct floating offshore wind turbines in Scotland.

South Korea-based HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed an agreement with Scotland's enterprise agencies.

The memorandum of understanding commits them to work together to pursue opportunities for building substructures for floating offshore wind farm projects.

It follows the announcement of planned investment by Japanese firm Sumitomo in a electricity cable factory at Nigg in the Cromarty Firth.

That plan is being supported by up to £24.5m in public sector funding.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise chief executive Stuart Black described the agreement as a "great opportunity to explore and facilitate the company's interest in Scotland."

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison, who witnessed the signing of the agreement, said it was a "vote of confidence" in Scotland and its offshore wind industry.

She said: “Scotland’s offshore wind sector is key to our transition to net zero and this partnership is the next step forward in realising the economic opportunities from our floating offshore wind potential."

Hannae Choi, of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said: "We are currently exploring ways to collaborate with various partners to develop the offshore wind market, including establishing a manufacturing supply infrastructure."

Scotland's deputy first minister, Shona Robinson, attended the signing of the agreement with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

The Cromarty Firth, and the surrounding area, and the Forth were selected last year to be Scotland's first green freeports.

The special economic zones are being created under a scheme agreed by the Scottish and UK governments.