GPSS Clinches Major Vessel Support Contract for Inch Cape Wind Farm

20 May 2026

Seaway Alfa Lift’s first visit to a UK port. (Image credit: GPSS)

Global Port Services Shipping (GPSS) has secured a multi-million-pound contract to provide marine logistics and vessel support to Seaway7 for its scope of work on Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm. As part of the major contract—which will support 100 local jobs—Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon will operate as the intermediate port for the Seaway Alfa Lift. The state-of-the-art heavy lift crane vessel will make multiple port calls at Invergordon, marking its first visits to a UK port.

The deep water port at Invergordon will serve as a project operations base for the duration of the contract, with GPSS collaborating with multiple Global group companies, including Global Port Services Projects, Global Crane Services, and SB Services—as well as trusted local subcontractors—to provide labor, plant, and resource support during four port calls totaling 90 days.

Job Creation & Use of Skilled Supply Chain

The first port call commenced in March 2026, with the Seaway Alfa Lift spending four weeks in port ahead of transition pieces for the wind farm being loaded at Port of Leith. Over 100 local skilled personnel per day serviced the ship during this port call—including painters, welders, electricians, and scaffolders—with significant resulting benefits to the local supply chain and economy.

The second port call is scheduled for later in the summer of 2026. Support crews will operate 24/7 on 12-hour shift patterns during each port call. In preparation for the project, over 100 truckloads of equipment have already been delivered to the Port of Cromarty Firth, as well as multiple equipment shipments arriving by sea.

Simon Marshall, Shipping Director, Global Port Services Shipping, commented: “We’re delighted to be supporting Seaway7 in our vital role as intermediate port for Inch Cape, which is set to be one of Scotland’s largest offshore wind farms, supporting the UK’s drive to net zero and greater energy security. It’s a privilege to welcome Seaway Alfa Lift for its first UK port calls, and the benefit, in terms of jobs and for the local supply chain, will be significant.”

Joanne Allday, Head of Strategy and Business Development, at Port of Cromarty Firth commented: “The Inch Cape project is the latest wind farm to take advantage of the Port’s sheltered, deep-water berths, and of the experience and track record of local people and businesses. We have supported wind farm construction for over 20 years, and projects such as this demonstrate the capabilities of Scotland’s ports and supply chain in enabling critical domestic energy production.”

Niamh Thompson, Seaway7 Senior Project Manager, commented: “GPSS has a long-standing track record of supporting Seaway7 and Subsea7 projects, and their ability to mobilize strong local capability has been central to our delivery strategy for the Inch Cape Project. Bringing the Seaway Alfa Lift to Scotland for its first UK port call, while sustaining local jobs, demonstrates the value of partnering with experienced providers who understand both our operational needs and the importance of investing in local supply chains.”

When complete, Inch Cape will be one of Scotland’s largest offshore wind farms. Sited 15 kilometers off the Angus coast, it will feature 72 turbines, generating enough green energy to power more than half of Scotland’s homes.