Clydeport unveils plans to create 2,000 jobs

GREEN energy firms will locate where coal depots once stood, will bring wealth by doubling cruise ship traffic, and an aquaculture center will help exploit the seafood potential of the waters along the west coast of Scotland.

Jim McSporran, New Clydeport manager, unveils plans to create 2,000 jobs

Jim McSporran, the new director of Clydeport, praises the “180-degree transformation” underway by the giant maritime gateway to Scotland.

He says Peel Ports, owner of the Hunterston Port and Resource Centre (PARC), is about to put pen to paper on a series of large-scale renewable energy contracts, with companies each taking up to 10 acres on the site, while a new data center cluster will be a technology hub that will also generate usable energy in the port.

Although there are no cruises at present, the intention is to raise the number of sailings to at least 120 from the current 75. “I think we can do it,” said Mr. McSporran.

“I’ve already booked 91 for next year, if the Covid allows it again.”

Plans to build vessels are also underway.

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A veteran of the oil and gas industry, Mr. McSporran has 25 years of experience in the region.

He spent seven weeks as managing director of Streamline Shipping, a multinational logistics firm headquartered in Aberdeen with offices in the UK and abroad, before joining Peel Ports.

One of his duties was during the pandemic to offer vital services to the islands, and “providing vital services to the islands was simply our best,” he said.

He will also assume the duties of the Clydeport Authority and the Ardrossan Port Authority starting in January . . . . continue reading g the auricle on the BrinkWire website here