Japanese Companies Mitsui & MOL to Acquire Scotland’s Port of Nigg and Energy Business Units

Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co and shipping giant Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) have announced their agreement to acquire Scotland’s energy industry hub Port of Nigg and key fabrication and access business units from Global Energy Group (GEG).

The deal includes the Port of Nigg, a deepwater, multi-sector energy port and UK green freeport; Global Energy (Fabrication), a multi-site fabrication and manufacturing business; and Global Energy Services, scaffold and access operations supporting offshore projects. Mitsui will hold 51% and MOL 49% of the three entities, building on Mitsui’s previous investment in GEG in 2012.

With a significant investment of over £120m since 2011, the Port of Nigg has played a crucial role in the UK’s offshore wind supply chain, securing major contracts for projects like Beatrice, Moray East, Seagreen, and Moray West offshore wind farms.

Mitsui plans to invest in new manufacturing capacity and energy services infrastructure to support job creation and economic growth in the Highlands, particularly in the offshore oil and gas and wind industries.

GEG Chairman Roy MacGregor believes the transfer will drive Nigg’s growth while ensuring continued services from GEG subsidiaries like Global Port Services, Global Crane Services, and Global Wind Projects. GEG will remain active at Nigg through these entities, providing project labor and operational support.

This acquisition marks Mitsui’s first major entry into a Scottish port. Teaming up with MOL’s expertise in shipping logistics and offshore energy, the partnership aims to position Nigg as a key node for the UK’s energy transition, supporting offshore wind, fabrication, and industrial services.

Makoto Takasugi of Mitsui sees Nigg as a long-term energy infrastructure asset, stating, “We look forward to carrying forward that legacy, working with the skilled local teams… as we grow our role in energy transformation across Scotland, the UK, and Europe.”

“The Port of Nigg plays an indispensable role in the UK’s energy transition, particularly in offshore wind, and holds substantial potential for future growth,” added MOL’s managing executive officer, Masayuki Sugiyama. “In partnership with Mitsui, we are fully committed to leveraging our expertise and experience in maritime operations to contribute to the long-term development of the Highlands and to accelerate a more sustainable future.”