The Scotsman ‘A dry dock last used in 1994 will reopen after an agreement was signed today to use the site for the construction of the world’s largest floating wind farm. Kishorn dry dock, in the north-west of the Highlands, was last used during the construction of the Skye Bridge. It is one of the largest in Western Europe and will now be used to build the floating turbines for Kincardine Offshore’s development off the coast of Aberdeen. The exclusivity agreement between Kishorn Port Ltd and Kincardine Offshore means work will start at the site in August, with the first turbine of the 50MW array expected to be in the water in the second quarter of 2018. Project director Carlos Barat, said: “This is a significant development for the people of Kishorn and will directly lead to the creation of up to 200 much-needed jobs in the area. “We are proud that we are able to support local business as we progress towards bringing this important development forward. Today’s agreement to use Kishorn dry-dock will herald a new era for offshore renewables and, of course, for this area as the terrific potential this facility offers the country is realised.” READ MORE: Kishorn port redevelopment masterplan submitted Kishorn port – which employed 3,000 during its peak – was historically an oil and gas fabrication yard, used for the casting of the 600,000-tonne Ninian Central platform in the late 1970s. The last time the port’s two 13,000 tonne dock gates were moved was in 1994, when the two concrete foundation caissons for the Skye Bridge were floated out. The agreement with Kincardine Offshore will see Kishorn used for the fabrication of the semi-spar substructure for the 6MW turbines, which will operate 15km off the coast of Kincardineshire. When in operation, the development will prevent 94,500 tonnes of CO2 entering the atmosphere every year. Minister for business, innovation and energy Paul Wheelhouse said: “This agreement paves the way for work to begin at Kishorn for the first time in 25 years, constructing the Kincardine floating Offshore Windfarm, which will produce enough electricity to power almost 56,000 homes.’ Click here to read more.