PD Ports plans to build a £200m offshore wind manufacturing and installation hub in the UK – the Teesport Offshore Gateway.
The proposed site will unlock 180 acres of development potential for a range of offshore manufacturers, assembly, marshalling and supply chain support services.
The Teesport Offshore Gateway will include an up to 1km long deep-water riverside quay, permitting unrestricted access to the North Sea and suitable for both floating and fixed bottom offshore wind development.
Set within the heart of PD Ports’ Teesport industrial port complex, the UK’s sixth largest port, the site offers a strategically located position for development.
While the plans are at an early stage and subject to a variation of existing deep water berth development consents, it is anticipated that development of Teesport Offshore Gateway could cost in the region of £200m and would secure critical port facilities in support of the UK Government’s offshore wind development ambitions.
PD Ports is looking to engage with the offshore renewables sector to explore the potential of the proposals, working with original equipment manufacturers, developers, the Government and industry experts to shape the strategic direction of the site and identify opportunities for collaboration and funding.
The site has already secured both planning consent and marine consent, subject to amendments, to extend an existing riverside berth to develop the 15.5m deep-water mooring, which would be large enough to accommodate all current and planned offshore installation vessels available globally.
The creation of a new deep-water berth for Teesport will also “future-proof” the port, opening up wider opportunities for additional bulk and container facilities, in support of PD Ports’ existing Teesport Container Terminal and the Tees Bulks Quay.
PD Ports chief executive Frans Calje said: “One of Teesside’s great strengths is its ability to reinvent itself in the face of change.
“As the UK and the wider world turns its attention to large-scale renewable energy sources, here at PD Ports we see the opportunity – and the responsibility – to play our part by offering an offshore wind development site that is perfectly positioned to unlock the capability of our region, not only as a hub for trade and industry, but also to deliver the clean energy revolution.
“Teesport and the River Tees has everything required to successfully operate what we believe will be one of the largest offshore wind manufacturing and assembly hubs on the east coast of the UK, offering unrivalled access to the North Sea.
“Although these proposals are at an early stage, we are confident that this development will support the UK Government’s ambitions for future offshore wind power generation.
“We also firmly believe that a facility such as this will lead to significant job creation – driving growth, employment and skills training opportunities in our coastal communities.”
Image: An artist’s impression of the proposed Teesport Offshore Gateway, with Tees Dock shown to the right