Top Global Offshore Wind Firms Visit Tees Valley Businesses

Tees Valley Combined Authority | Published on: 8th November 2018

VIPs from some of the world’s biggest offshore and energy firms have visited Tees Valley businesses to understand supply chain opportunities in the region.

The first day of Offshore Wind North East 2018 saw Tees Valley Combined Authority play host to more than 30 delegates from a range of companies. These included Brazilian multinational energy firm Petrobras, wind farm operators SSE, Norway’s Equinor, and Innogy, the event’s platinum sponsor.

The delegation was taken around the region’s key sites and firms, including logistics company AV Dawson, Lionweld Kennedy flooring engineers, Wilton Engineering, decommissioning services company Able UK, PD Ports, JDR Cables and offshore engineering firm Heerema.

The tour kicked off of a three-day event, organised by NOF Energy in conjunction with Energi Coast, North East England’s offshore wind industry cluster. More than 350 representatives then attended a conference with a focus on innovation within wind farm development and operations and maintenance activities.

Mayor Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Combined Authority Chair, said: “Offshore wind is one of the industrial sectors where the UK still dominates globally. Thanks to some fantastic local businesses, production costs have plummeted to the point where it’s even cheaper than new gas and nuclear power. With a further 4GW of offshore wind output planned by 2024, I’m working with our local industry to ensure our economy feels the entire benefit of the wind revolution.

“The Tees Valley has one of the most complete supply chains for offshore wind in the UK. Our combination of port and deep water assets, availability of skilled workers, and proximity to some of the largest wind projects in the world makes our region the perfect location to invest. From Dogger Bank to Triton Knoll, local businesses are winning major contracts to energise the offshore wind revolution, but we need to go even further.

“This event has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer to companies not just from the UK, but from around the world. Our brilliant supply chain have been making the case for the Tees Valley, and I thank them for it.”

Joanne Leng MBE, Deputy Chief Executive at NOF Energy, said: “North East England, including Tees Valley, has a very dynamic and innovative cluster of companies that has carved itself a strong position in the offshore wind industry.

“Offshore Wind North East is a great opportunity to reinforce the capabilities of the area’s diverse supply chain and highlight to VIP visitors from across the world the current and future role of North East companies in the development and operation of offshore wind farms.”

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