News

Montrose Port is a success story that is often overlooked, and continues to go from strength to strength.

The port’s performance in the 2023/23 financial year saw a significant turnover increase, with a 10% rise in vessel numbers and 31% upturn in gross tonnage.

In recent years, Montrose Port Authority has invested heavily in infrastructure, including quayside refurbishments further expanding the size and type of vessels the port can accommodate.

This has developed the port’s reputation as a key hub for both the general cargo market and the energy sector.

Investments have also included the provision of offshore power infrastructure which allows engines on vessels to be shut off and fuel emissions reduced.

The port now directly and indirectly sustains 384 permanent, full-time employees, generating £13.6 million in annual salaries and £25.7 million net GVA to the regional economy.

The port also services the general cargo sector, and well-known players locally include Rix Shipping.

Rix is a business actively expanding its agri bulk business, storing grain and other agricultural products moving through the port.

However, improving logistics operations requires investment in property infrastructure.

This is happening in and around the port and Rix has been active.

This was highlighted by a recent £2 million acquisition of a substantial warehouse at Broomfield Industrial Estate on the north side of Montrose.

The property, previously occupied by Sundolitt, comprises two separate buildings providing 108.575sq ft of warehouse and production space.

Rix is currently investing a further £1 million in the buildings, creating local employment during this construction phase, and more than 10 new full-time jobs will be created.

Shepherd sees other examples of boosts to the local property market from port activities – not only in the commercial sector but in other areas, including residential.

Properties suitable for conversion to residential use are attracting interest from businesses thinking of the need to provide accommodation for workers at the port.