Work will begin next year to build a new Grimsby operations and maintenance base for Dong Energy’s 210MW Westermost Rough offshore wind farm.
The Danish company has now completed its agreement with Associated British Ports for establishment of the Royal Dock operation and maintenance base, which will create of up to 100 jobs.
Work is due to commence in January on the Construction of offices and warehouses and new pontoon access will be created for three crew transfer vessels.
Westermost programme director Duncan Clark said:
“We are very pleased to be able to confirm that Grimsby will be the permanent home for at least the next 25 years for the Westermost Rough team.”
“The site in the Royal Docks offers good flexibility in terms of the port facilities that we need for operations and maintenance, and we are looking forward to getting the construction of the new office, as well as the wind farm offshore, underway in the new year.”
Jason Longhurst, the council’s head of development , said:
“The growth of Grimsby Port in the last two to three years demonstrates the area’s potential to lead the development of offshore energy and be a major player in the UK economic growth of this sector.”
“This announcement puts the Port of Grimsby at the heart of the growth of offshore wind.”
Offshore construction of Westermost Rough will begin in February 2014 with the installation of the foundations for 35 turbines.
The offshore substation and the 35 Siemens 6MW turbines will be installed next year with completion and commissioning of the project expected to be completed by the middle of 2015.
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Press release, December 12, 2013; Image: DONG Energy