Able Energy Park go ahead to boost Humber supply chain
The Able UK Marine Energy Park government go-ahead will provide a major boost to Humber businesses working in the maritime and offshore wind supply chain, says Team Humber Marine Alliance (THMA).
The green light for the largest single development on the Humber since the Second World War will see a £450m investment of more than 900 acres providing state-of-the-art quayside facilities for the manufacture, assembly and installation of offshore renewable technologies.
Able UK, a THMA member, has also won approval for the development of the multi-million pound 1,229-acre Able Logistics Park.
“This is one of the big pieces of positive news we have been waiting for,” said Mark O’Reilly, director THMA. “The development is a massive shot in the arm for the Humber as a green energy centre of excellence.
“It will bring with it a host of potential opportunities right along the maritime and offshore wind supply chain, benefiting many existing, and new businesses in our region, such as steel fabrication, tugging, port and portside services, logistics and transport, research and development, seabed survey, diving, offshore rescue and many, many more.
“We have already seen Strabag sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Able UK, but they are just the start of what is potentially a significant influx of a range of renewable energy companies.
“As a membership organisation, we have worked very closely on the project proposals with Able UK, and, through our trade missions to Germany and Denmark focused on a genuine dialogue with the major players in the offshore wind sector.
“The idea has always been that if we give the big developers what they need, the rest of the supply chain, from vessel support through to manufacturing, will fall in to place. It’s very satisfying to start to see that happen.
“With the Marine Energy Park now clear for development this will open the doors to large scale investment which can only benefit most businesses. We will continue to strive to ensure that companies in the region’s supply chain, with as much local content as possible, reap the reward.
“It will be not so much trickle down, more of a flood.”
For Media information, please contact Julian Woodford or Mike Ackroyd at Mapa on 01482 589900, julian@mapapr.co.ukmike@mapapr.co.uk