As many as 32,000 jobs could be supported in an £8.5 billion boost to the regional economy, according to the teams supporting an ambitious “green freeport” package between Aberdeen and Peterhead.
The scheme, which comes with special tax status, is bridging a political divide as the Scottish and UK governments start to consider rival plans as the deadline passed on June 20.
Those behind the north-east bid say the status will ensure the region can shift from reliance on fossil fuels to a “net zero” energy capital of Europe.
What is a green freeport?
A “green freeport” is a large zoned area within a defined boundary which includes rail, sea or airport.
Operators and businesses in the zone can benefit from a package of tax and other incentives, with supporters saying they fuel economic growth.
Supporters met business leaders at Aberdeen Airport at the weekend to promote the proposals.
The bid has attracted support from across the political spectrum, aside from Greens who do not back the concept.
North East MSP Maggie Chapman said it’s all just a “greenwashed Brexit project”.
Who is involved in the north-east bid?
The North East Scotland Green Freeport consortium is led by the Port of Aberdeen, Peterhead Port Authority, Aberdeen International Airport, and the region’s two local authorities.
They say freeport status will lead to the north-east anchoring its place in Scotland for developing and pioneering carbon-free technologies.
The bid could bring large-scale, advanced manufacturing to Aberdeen to maximise economic benefits from Scotland’s offshore wind and hydrogen sectors.
It aims to accelerate carbon-capture projects on the Buchan coast.
It will also create a regional customs hub for premium and globally recognised Scottish food and drink exports.
That would be used to build direct links to key markets for products such as whisky, seafood and meat produce.
What do supporters say?
Jon Matthews, group head of capital and planning at Aberdeen International Airport, said the bid will “deliver a sustainable economic future for the region with 32,000 fair-work long-term jobs”.
The Conservatives have highlighted the “great economic boost that awaits the north-east if successful”, with the potential for “tens of thousands of jobs”.
David Duguid, Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan, highlighted the “unprecedented benefits” to Peterhead.
Jackie Dunbar, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Donside, said the bid could usher in a new era of investment, innovation and regeneration.
She added the venture could put “our bonnie region” on the map as a world leader in creating carbon-free energy.
The bid also has cross-party support at council level with Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councillors highlighting the potential benefits to the region.
Ian Yuill, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, said it will help secure business and jobs for “years to come” and will build on the north-east’s “world-beating energy sector”.
What other ports are in the running?
A total of five bids have been received from across Scotland:
- Aberdeen City and Peterhead Green Freeport.
- Opportunity Inverness and Cromarty Firth.
- Orkney Green Freeport.
- Firth of Forth Green Freeport.
- Clyde Green Freeport.
The bid from Opportunity Cromarty Firth is primarily focused on “opportunities arising from offshore renewables” and green hydrogen production.
Those behind the Orkney bid have said their freeport would focus on innovation and research and development opportunities.
Fort Ports have also put forward a bid which encompasses ports, industrial facilities and logistics centres along the north and south shores of the Firth of Forth and at Edinburgh Airport to create a green investment zone.
What happens now?
The two winning bids for Scottish freeports will be named this summer after a £52 million deal was struck between Holyrood and Westminster earlier this year.
The announcement came after months of wrangling between the two governments over a number of “red line requests” from the SNP, including payment of the real living wage.