Offshore pioneer latest to commit to Grimsby port
THE first company to work in offshore wind from Grimsby is to establish a permanent base here.
Renewable Energy Systems, known as RES, has secured a one-acre site from Associated British Ports, off Humber Bridge Road, on the town’s former fish docks.
A single-storey office complex will now be built, with a key design element being the opportunity to add a second storey should demand arise.
Chris Holden, offshore operations manager at RES, and chairman of Grimsby Renewables Partnership, said: “RES has had a presence at Port of Grimsby East, known locally as the fish docks, for over nine years, but we’ve never had our own building. This is because we have been contracted to work for other companies and have worked alongside them in their premises.
“During the past two years we have expanded our team to the point where we needed our own office facilities.”
RES, a British company headquartered in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, has a global presence, and currently works with clients and from offices in Grimsby Fish Market. It worked with the Government and The Crown Estate on strategic work identifying the best locations for offshore wind farms, such as Lynn and Inner Dowsing, which first opened the door to new industry for North East Lincolnshire. In 2009 it employed three people in the port, now there are 10.
Mr Holden said: “We have rented space from Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises but now need to have a RES permanent base. In turn this will heighten our presence in Grimsby and let everyone know we’re here to stay.
The site, close to Dong’s recently assembled impressive temporary base, will give an excellent view across the port. It is just yards from E.on’s construction site for its Humber Gateway operations, maintenance and engineering base, with Centrica and Siemens further down North Quay.
Mr Holden said: “Construction work for the new building should begin later this year and we hope to be moved in by early 2014. RES is committed to supporting the local supply chain and the tender documents will go to companies based in the Humber region.
“Initially we will build a single-storey building which will accommodate up to 20 engineers plus a manager’s office and meeting rooms. We are specifying a building which can be extended quickly with the addition of a second storey. The site also allows for storage containers and a lay-down area.”
RES will use the base to manage current projects, which include the recently announced Forewind Dogger Bank meteorological masts, as well as existing contracts with the likes of Centrica and SMartWind.
“Look out for the RES flag,” said Mr Holden, referring to the distinctive orange branding.