Plans to create UK’s largest offshore wind operations in Grimsby

Dong Energy announced plans to build the UK’s largest offshore wind operations in Grimsby, which could create up to 500 jobs.

The multi-million pound investment would see a new facility developed in the town’s Royal Dock and will initially support Westermost Rough, Race Bank and Hornsea Project One offshore wind farms.

Subject to planning approval, it will have the capacity to support other east coast wind farms in Dong Energy’s future development pipeline as well.

The hub will be served by high-tech vessels capable of accommodating up to 60 crew and technicians while remaining at sea for long periods.

It will also include a comprehensive marine and helicopter coordination centre capable of providing 24/7 service to offshore operations across the UK and beyond.

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

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 £6 billion.”

Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Ray Oxby said: “For a number of years, we’ve been building up this area as a hub for offshore wind maintenance, and to have this commitment from Dong Energy reaffirms our place at the heart of the energy estuary for years to come.

“This represents a massive vote of confidence in North East Lincolnshire and our ability to attract multinational companies to our area.”