Siemens goes ahead with Hull offshore wind factory
Siemens’ decision will boost regional supply chain
Siemens’ decision to go ahead with the construction of an offshore wind manufacturing plant in Hull will provide a significant boost to the region’s offshore and marine engineering supply chain, says Team Humber Marine Alliance director, Mark O’Reilly.
“Siemens is among the biggest and the best in the offshore wind sector, and this positive, encouraging decision cements the Humber region as a vital UK and European centre for offshore wind,” said Mr O’Reilly, who heads up the 180-strong group of Humber companies.
“This is another jolt of good news which we have all been waiting for and creates an atmosphere of industry excellence, and financial opportunity, from which we can all be benefit.”
THMA member companies include the likes of ABP, Dalby Offshore, Dunstons, MMS Shiprepair, MTL Group, P&O Ferries, RES Offshore and Tata Steel, among many others.
“In the months and years ahead, we are likely to see a positive and sustained impact on our member companies all along the offshore wind supply chain, potentially during construction and when operational,” said Mr O’Reilly.
“While the developments linked to Round 2 and 3 windfarms off the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire coasts would almost certainly have gone ahead whether Siemens had made the decision to come to Hull or not, the news puts the spotlight on what skills and services are being offered by companies in the region.”
Working collaboratively, THMA member companies are able to cover most aspects of the offshore wind sector, including port and portside services, turbine O&M, support vessel construction and O&M, with a mixture of skills and services such as R&D, steel fabrication, electrical and mechanical services, engineering, lifting and handling and logistics.
Additionally, Mr O’Reilly feels the decision will create greater impetus for other offshore wind operators to locate to the region as they look to support Siemens’ activities.
“Siemens coming to Hull and the Humber sends out a clear message to other manufacturing companies in the sector who will now be able to push ahead with their plans to build their own facilities, which are linked to Round 2 and 3 windfarms,” he said.
*The news comes as Team Humber co-hosts Offshore Wind Connections 2014, a two-day conference at Forest Pines Hotel, near Brigg, north east Lincolnshire. This second annual offshore wind event includes some of the leading figures in the industry and runs today, March 25, and March 26.
For more information about THMA, and to register for the conference, contact office manager, Mary Green on 01482 485271
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For Media information, please contact Julian Woodford or Mike Ackroyd at Mapa on 01482 589900, julian@mapa.org.uk;mike@mapa.org.uk
EDITORS’ NOTES
Team Humber Marine Alliance – excellence through partnerships
Team Humber Marine Alliance is made up of more than 180 companies from around the Humber region.
The Alliance works to provide partnerships between experts in the private and public sector to put the Humber on the world stage.
This includes a comprehensive supply chain offering in key sectors, including renewable energy, offshore oil and gas and maritime and commercial shipping.
As a membership organisation with a focus on green energy, THMA is constantly working with all the leading stakeholders, including councils, local enterprise partnerships, colleges and universities, to raise the profile of the region as a renewable centre of excellence to a national and international audience.