Chairman’s Letter – October 2016
Dear Member
It’s been non-stop at THMA HQ this past few months and long may it continue!
In September we organised a visit to the Humber by US Politicians from Massachusetts, Maine and Maryland who were keen to see the impact of offshore wind investment in our region. They were hugely impressed with local collaboration and indeed the transformation to the regional economy. We are continuing to establish more formal relationships with Massachusetts and particular the City of New Bedford where the possibility of “sister city” agreements with Hull and Grimsby are to be discussed.
Other activities in September included organising a successful Green Port/Humber Renewables stand at the world’s largest wind exhibition WindEnergy Hamburg with 10 Humber companies as well as local government representatives. The exhibition attracted 1,200 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors over the 4 days.
Skills continues to be high on our agenda and our Maritime & Offshore Skills Group met again in October. It pleasing to see an evolving collaboration with local and national organisations including Sea Vision, Seafarers and the Maritime Skills Alliance. In the meantime, Hull Trinity House Academy are pressing ahead with a new Maritime apprenticeship programme working together with other THMA members and providers to kick start an ambitious long term Maritime skills initiative.
This month we look forward once again to welcoming members and partners to our Windy Millers Club on the 20th October at Tapasaya Restaurant, Hull Marina. It’s an excellent social and networking evening for those working in or interested in the offshore wind industry. New great venue… all are welcome…don’t miss it!
Kind regards
Mark O’Reilly
Chairman & CEO Team Humber Marine Alliance