Siemens changes Green Port Hull plans

SIEMENS is changing its Green Port Hull plans to create a “leaner” and “more efficient” wind turbine blade manufacturing facility.

The energy giant’s revised plans are for a single site at Alexandra Dock in Hull, which will allow for the blade plant to sit alongside the wind turbine assembly and servicing facilities being developed at Alexandra Dock, instead of the previously proposed  blade manufacturing facility in nearby Paull.

The commitment to create 1,000 direct jobs through the £310m investment on the Humber is unchanged.

The amended plans will allow for an increase in production from the initial proposal of 450 blades a year to 600, Siemens says.

The previous plan was driven by the size of factory needed to build, transport and store blades at least 75m long, but Siemens said the idea of being on one site was always preferred but before a recent redesign there was just not quite enough space. However by developing the production concept, the blade factory footprint has been reduced, whilst increasing production output.

Siemens project director, Finbarr Dowling, said: “By deploying the latest manufacturing technologies and adopting LEAN principles from the outset we have been able to design our new blade plant to have 20% higher output in a plant which is 15% smaller than the original design. It is exactly this type of continuous improvement that will enable us to industrialise the manufacturing of offshore wind turbines.  This will lead to a reduction in the cost base of offshore wind and ensure that the industry, and in particular our new world class plant in Hull will be competitive into the future.

“Work has already begun on Alexandra Dock, preparing the area for the building of our new facilities.  This announcement underlines our long-term commitment to the Humber region and the UK offshore wind industry.”

ABP director Humber, John Fitzgerald added: “Siemens’ decision to consolidate their operations at Alexandra Dock is a progressive one in an industry which needs to maximise efficiency and reduce costs. Together with our land at Paull, ABP has plenty of capacity to accommodate further participants in the supply chain for offshore wind manufacturing.

“The UK offshore wind sector needs a thriving supply base and our development plans for Paull continue to progress. We look forward to working closely with Siemens to promote Hull and the Paull site as a cluster of suppliers serving the offshore wind industry, and creating additional jobs in a new industry centred on the Humber.”

Siemens said detailed plans will submitted shortly.

Councillor Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council, said: “I would like to thank Siemens for their continued commitment and confidence in Green Port Hull, it is the best investment decision they could have made.

“I am looking forward to working with Siemens to capitalise on Hull’s position and their investment at the dawn in this new industry.

“This is a world-class facility that will lead the way putting Hull and the Humber on the map as the leading energy estuary of the UK.”