EXCLUSIVE: Ardersier owners Haventus plan to shed 17 jobs in shake-up as operations at the energy transition facility moves to ‘active port operations’
Ardersier owners Haventus plan to shed 17 jobs in a shake-up of its operations as the energy transition facility moves towards “active port operations.”
The news comes after a turbulent few months that saw the departure of CEO Lewis Gillies in August followed and the full and final confirmation of the Green Freeport status in September.
Then a week ago, Chinese energy giant Ming Yang revealed the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility was its preferred site to invest £1.5 billion in the UK’s largest wind turbine plant – an announcement that caused unease in Westminster.
Despite that, the company insists that it “remains strongly placed to support the growth of the offshore wind industry and the UK’s clean energy goals, with the facility positioned for enduring success.”
For now, the company recognises that “this is a difficult time for affected colleagues” and vows to treat them “with fairness, respect and care” as it is believed “voluntary departures” will account for most of the lay-offs.
Haventus confirmed to The Inverness Courier that as the first phases of creating the energy transition facility ends the operation will be restructured towards “preparing for active port operations.”
A Haventus spokesman said: “As the initial phase of development at Ardersier Energy Transition Facility draws to a close, the business is concluding construction and development and preparing for active port operations.
“As a result of this activity shift, Haventus is reshaping its organisation to meet the needs of the operational facility. As we align our structure, following a period of consultation, we are proposing a reduction of up to 17 roles, most of which we anticipate will be achieved through voluntary departures, supported by enhanced terms.
“This is a difficult time for affected colleagues. We are committed to treating everyone with fairness, respect and care. Comprehensive support, including outplacement services, will be provided to help all affected colleagues.
“Ardersier Energy Transition Facility remains strongly placed to support the growth of the offshore wind industry and the UK’s clean energy goals, with the facility positioned for enduring success.”