A £10 million plan has been announced to transform Dundee's port into a hub for the oil and gas, decommissioning and offshore wind sectors.

Forth Ports said it will develop the quayside at the east end of the port, offering heavy lift capability over 200 metres and featuring an ultra-heavy lift pad.

Coupled with a deep-water berth, it will allow for the handling of large cargoes.

Construction is to start immediately and is expected to take 18 months. When completed, it will be one of the strongest quaysides in Scotland, Forth Ports said.

Chief executive Charles Hammond said: "This is an important, privately funded investment for the port of Dundee which is ideally placed to service the needs of North Sea oil and gas, decommissioning and Scotland's offshore wind sector over the coming years.

"The port's existing skills base and location, combined with its riverside berths, deep water and rock river bed, put the port in a key position to become a hub for these sectors for construction, operations and maintenance and for decommissioning."

Business at the port is said to have grown in the past 12 months, and renewed interest in Dundee from the passenger cruise sector will see liner visits increase from six in 2015 to a planned 10 in 2016.

Further growth in the area is expected with the opening of the V&A Museum of Design in 2017.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "Today's announcement puts Dundee and the surrounding area in a strong position to maximise the enormous economic benefits that offshore wind and decommissioning can deliver for Scotland.

"When I met Forth Ports in Dundee to discuss their potential plans for the future, it was clear this major development can open the region to business opportunities in new markets - not to mention the inevitable jobs boost that a project of this size will deliver."

Scottish Enterprise also welcomed the announcement.

Maggie McGinlay, director of energy and clean technologies, said: "This is great news for Scotland adding to the range of port facilities that are available to support the oil and gas, decommissioning, subsea and renewable industries.

"There still remains plenty of life left in the North Sea but it is vital we prepare to capitalise on the enormous opportunity on the horizon around decommissioning. This investment will add to the options available for future decommissioning activity supporting Scotland's supply chain in developing a strong role in this area."