NPC support keeps Nigg piling on track

National Pile Croppers (NPC) has provided emergency weekend support to piling contractor Van Elle during time-critical works at the Port of Nigg in the Scottish Highlands.

The project – part of a wider redevelopment to expand the port’s capacity for offshore wind manufacturing – included essential pile cropping works with tight deadlines. When Van Elle encountered unforeseen issues with the concrete piles, NPC responded immediately, dispatching a technician and local support team from Airdrie to site by 8am the following morning.

NPC sales director Scott Fitchett said: “Although our croppers were working as expected, there were unexpected difficulties with how some of the piles were set. The team assessed the situation, adjusted the setup, and stayed on site across the weekend to ensure the job could be completed on time.”

The Port of Nigg project is seen as a key enabler of Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain. Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has invested £10 million into new infrastructure, including a heavy-duty quay and ro-ro capabilities. The project will also support the export needs of Sumitomo Electric’s planned £350 million cable manufacturing facility in the region.

NPC’s swift intervention ensured pile cropping was completed to schedule, preventing delays to a nationally significant development. “For many companies this might be above and beyond – but for us, it’s what we do,” added Fitchett.