“Game-changing” multimillion offshore investment creates 250 jobs

A “GAME-CHANGING” hub is set for Grimsby, with Dong Energy investing in the scheme that would provide operational support to offshore wind projects, and create 250 jobs in the process.

Subject to planning approval, the facility will be located at the town’s Royal Dock.

It will support Westermost Rough, Race Bank and Hornsea Project One offshore wind farms and have the capacity to support other east coast wind farms in Dong Energy’s pipeline.

Hornsea Project Two was given the green light last month, creating a further 500 jobs in the area.

Dong’s hub will sit alongside the existing Westermost Rough operations and maintenance facility, using additional land to be leased from Associated British Ports.

The hub will be served by vessels supplied by Ostensjo Rederi and designed by Rolls-Royce, are being chartered to operate from the new hub.

They are capable of accommodating 60 crew and technicians, as well as marine and helicopter coordination centre capable of providing 24-7 service to offshore operations across the UK and beyond.

The first vessel arriving late next year will support Race Bank, DONG Energy’s 580-megawatt offshore wind farm currently under construction 17 miles off the Norfolk and Lincolnshire coastlines.

Brent Cheshire, DONG Energy’s UK Country chairman, said: “This new operational hub in Grimsby will be a game-changing industry first, raising the bar for the way we serve offshore wind farms. It will generate direct and indirect job opportunities in the Humber region, as well as opportunities for the local supply chain.

“It represents a massive vote of confidence to the UK offshore wind industry and confirms our commitment to the Humber region where by 2019 we expect to have invested around £6bn.”

 

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