Mitsui & Co. and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines finalized their acquisition of Scotland’s Port of Nigg facility and related energy service businesses from Global Energy Group, marking the Japanese trading house’s first major Scottish port investment.
The deal, which received European Commission approval on June 30, gives Mitsui & Co. a 51% stake while shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines holds 49% of three acquired entities. The investment, valued in the tens of billions of yen, extends Mitsui’s 13-year relationship with GEG that began with a 25.5% stake purchase in 2012.
The Port of Nigg holds green freeport status and has secured major contracts for offshore wind projects including Beatrice, Moray East, Seagreen, and Moray West farms since GEG’s £120 million redevelopment began in 2011. The facility serves both oil and gas operations alongside renewable energy projects.
Mitsui plans additional infrastructure investments to expand manufacturing capacity and quayside operations. However, the companies provided limited specifics about investment timelines or employment impacts beyond general commitments to job creation.
GEG founder Roy MacGregor will retain control of several service companies that operate at the port, including Global Port Services and Global Crane Services, maintaining the group’s presence at the facility. The deal positions Mitsui to capitalize on the UK’s expanding offshore wind sector while securing a strategic foothold in European energy infrastructure.
