A marine fabrication yard at Nigg, originally established for North Sea oil and gas operations, is now used for renewable energy projects.

This resulted in what was called "Glasgow colonies" in towns such as Invergordon and Alness, with many of the families choosing to make the move permanent.

In 2012 Global Energy Group set up a skills academy to create new jobs for residents and young people and this has resulted in a fall in unemployment in the area and a welcome boost to the local economy.

In March 2017, Global Energy submitted an application to the Scottish Government requesting the yard be made a private port.

[2] The order which was eventually granted, created Nigg Port and gave Global and Nigg Energy Park increased management powers over the quays, wharves, enclosed dry dock, and adjoining land area at Nigg, the ability to maintain and improve the facility through development rights powers, set reasonable charges for facility users, control goods and hazardous substances and manage the security of the port area.

The ferry crosses the entrance to the Cromarty Firth, one of the finest natural harbours in Europe and also an area rich in wildlife and world-famous for its dolphin population.