PD Ports has welcomed the world’s first purpose built wind turbine installation vessel into the Port of Hartlepool. This is first time PD Ports has handled a vessel of this size at the Port of Hartlepool.
The MPI Adventure arrived at the Port in late December to commence work on the Teesside Offshore Windfarm Project, for which the Port of Hartlepool has been appointed as the main construction logistics hub.
Described as the ‘next generation’ of wind turbine installation vessels, the arrival of the MPI Adventure adds further credibility to PD Ports’ ability to handle industry class vessels at Hartlepool, required for the size and scale of offshore wind projects.
The Teesside Offshore Windfarm Project, being developed by EDF Energy Renewables, requires the MPI Adventure to transport the 27 turbines, in particular the towers, nacelles and blades, out to sea, some 1.5km off the shore of Redcar. This is expected to complete in early spring.
Over 100 people are involved in the offshore construction programme, operating out of the project supply base established at Hartlepool.
Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports’ managing director, bulks, ports and logistics , said: “The arrival of the MPI Adventure highlights our capability to handle large, industry class offshore vessels at the Port of Hartlepool whilst further demonstrating our continued progression and growing strength in this sector.”
Peter Robinson, MD, MPI Offshore Ltd, said: “MPI is delighted to be involved with this challenging project and look forward to completing the installation of 27 wind turbines in a safe and timely manner.
“MPI is a locally based ship and construction management organisation seen as premier installer of offshore windfarms. We are proud to be part of the PD Ports and EDF Renewable Energy teams in bringing this offshore renewable energy facility to Teesside. ”
Tim Bland, EDF Project Manager , said: “EDF are very pleased to welcome the MPI Adventure to the project. The vessel is much more weather tolerant than the vessel previously engaged for this work and we believe this offers the best opportunity to complete the build of the offshore Wind Turbines over the Winter period.”
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Press release, January 10, 2013; Image: PD Ports