The Port of Cromarty Firth has reported another successful year of operations, highlighting its continued role as a strategic national hub for renewable energy, cruise tourism and economic development.
On the back of a landmark year in 2023, when the Port and its partners secured Green Freeport status, 2024 built on that momentum with strong trading results.
Figures published today showed that turnover for the year ending December 2024 was £14.6 million, delivering a surplus (profit before tax) of £3.7m.
While this represents a dip from 2023’s record-breaking results, the Port continues to perform strongly across its core markets.
Renewables accounted for nearly half (48%) of all revenue – with cruise at 29%, oil and gas at 16% and other activity at 7% – underlining the Port’s central role in Scotland’s transition to Net Zero.
One of the standout achievements of 2024 was the successful completion of the Moray West offshore wind project. The Port marshalled 62 extra-large monopiles – the largest ever installed in Europe – through its Invergordon Service Base.
Each monopile measured around 90 metres in length and weighed up to 2,000 tonnes. The project demonstrated the Port’s capacity to manage large-scale renewable energy infrastructure and showcased the strength of the local supply chain.
Port of Cromarty Firth Chair Hugh Mitchell said: “Once again, we have delivered a strong trading surplus that allows us to reinvest in the Port and support the Highland economy.
The successful delivery of Moray West shows the capability of our facilities and partners, and demonstrates the Port of Cromarty Firth’s importance to the next generation of renewable energy projects.”
Port of Cromarty Firth Chief Executive Alex Campbell added: “Our achievements in 2024 show how the Port can deliver for both global energy developers and local communities.
Every project we complete generates jobs, opportunities and investment across the Highlands, ensuring this region remains at the heart of the energy transition.”
Cruise remained another major contributor to the Port’s success, with 116 vessels and more than 213,000 passengers arriving during 2024 and contributing an estimated £28m to the Highland economy.
Highlights included the inaugural Highland call of Cunard’s Queen Anne during her maiden British Isles voyage.
The outlook for cruise in 2026 and 2027 remains strong, reflecting the continued growth and confidence in the region as a premier destination for cruise tourism.
Across 2024, the Port handled 715 ship arrivals, 1,011 acts of pilotage and 13.01 million gross tonnes.
Safety remained a priority, with the Port receiving a Distinction Award from the British Safety Council and being confirmed as compliant with the Port Marine Safety Code following its 2024 audit. As an independent Trust Port, every penny of surplus generated by the Port of Cromarty Firth is reinvested to create jobs, opportunities and long-term benefits for Highland stakeholders.