Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co and shipping giant Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) have agreed to acquire Scotland’s energy industry hub Port of Nigg and key fabrication and access business units from Global Energy Group (GEG).
The deal covers the 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, under which Mitsui will hold 51% and MOL 49% of the three entities. Mitsui had previously invested in GEG in 2012, gaining a 25.5% stake.
The Port of Nigg has been central to the UK’s offshore wind supply chain. Since GEG purchased the facility in 2011, over £120m has been invested into its redevelopment and expansion. That groundwork helped secure major fabrication and staging contracts for landmark projects including Beatrice, Moray East, Seagreen, and Moray West offshore wind farms.
Mitsui has committed to investing in new manufacturing capacity and energy services infrastructure, in a move which is expected to support long‑term job creation and economic growth in the Highlands, particularly around offshore oil and gas and wind industries, the companies noted.
GEG Chairman Roy MacGregor said the transfer will help realise Nigg’s next phase of growth while ensuring continued services from GEG subsidiaries such as Global Port Services, Global Crane Services, and Global Wind Projects. GEG will remain active at Nigg through these outfits, supplying project labour and operational support.
The deal represents Mitsui’s first major entry into a Scottish port. With MOL’s expertise in shipping logistics and offshore energy, the partnership aims to transform Nigg into a key node for the UK’s energy transition—supporting offshore wind, fabrication and broader industrial services.
Makoto Takasugi of Mitsui noted that the company sees Nigg as a long-term energy infrastructure asset, saying, “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,” he said.
“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, which has supported Global Energy Group for the past 13 years, 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.”
