Council leader John Alexander has hit back at suggestions Dundee’s port will be ignored for oil and gas decommissioning works.
The administration boss responded to news a harbour in Shetland had already been chosen by the Scottish Government as the best location to create an ultra deep water port for large-scale decommissioning work last month.
Mr Alexander said Dundee’s port, which has been undergoing preparations for decommissioning work, would not compete with its Shetland counterpart but instead, complement it in attracting work to Scotland.
Mr Alexander said: “Recent press coverage focused on an assessment for ultra-deep water facilities.
“It’s fair to say that this in no way dampens our ambitions on the decommissioning front or our ability to succeed in obtaining certain contracts.
“The market is extremely diverse and multi-faceted. I am actively involved in discussions and lobbying to ensure that Dundee is well positioned and partners such as Forth Ports are actively pursuing any interest in facilities.
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“Energy minister Paul Wheelhouse MSP has also confirmed the position of the ultra deep water port in Scotland would target a new part of the decommissioning market to compete with Norway and Turkey for contracts involving heavy lift vessels.
“The development would complement, not compete with, existing potential for decommissioning at ports such as Dundee and Dundee could benefit from its presence.”
Owners Forth Ports have invested £10 million in the docks to prepare it for decommissioning work and chief operating officer Stuart Wallace said it was already capable of accepting large oil rigs.
SNP Dundee leader Mr Alexander added the long-awaited Tay Cities Deal was continuing, saying he was still in the process of lobbying the UK and Scottish governments on behalf of the deal.
He said: “I’m concentrating on getting it over the finish line and getting as much resource and investment for the region as possible.
“This means that I am not able or willing to be drawn on this too much at this time – you don’t show your cards during a game of poker.”
