Work is underway at Able Seaton Port in readiness for pre-assembling the 90 MHI Vestas turbines for the 857MW Triton Knoll offshore wind farm off the east coast of England.
Preparatory works have started to construct 140 square metres of heavy-duty quayside at the port, which was chosen by MHI Vestas in 2018 to be the turbine pre-assembly base for Triton Knoll.
Triton Knoll’s developer, Innogy, and MHI Vestas are jointly investing in the works at the Teesside facility.
Once the infrastructure work is complete, Able will be able to provide a “full package” of offshore wind farm capabilities, adding turbine handling to its existing experience of working with offshore foundations and major vessels.
Triton Knoll project director at Innogy Julian Garnsey said: “It has always been our aim as a project to use our investment to help regional and UK businesses increase their competitiveness in the global market.
“We’re, therefore, delighted to have been the catalyst along with MHI Vestas for Able’s progression into turbine handling.
“Looking ahead, the growth of offshore wind and the likely construction of so much new capacity off the east coast presents the region with a great opportunity to compete and bring new investment, growth and jobs into Teesside.”
Work began this month to prepare the existing site, establish new drainage and upgrade the internal electricity supply. It will be followed in the coming months by new infrastructure including access roads, office buildings and accommodation for a project team of around 50 people.
Turbine handling equipment will be established at the port later in the year, where the 89 metre-high turbine towers, 80 metre-long turbine blades and the 375 tonne nacelles will be prepared ready for transport to the offshore site and for installation.
MHI Vestas will manufacture the V164-9.5 MW turbines for the project, which are capable of powering a house for 29 hours with just a single rotation of the blades.
MHI Vestas UK country manager Julian Brown said: “Establishing Able Seaton in the River Tees as a construction base for offshore wind turbines has been a long time in development and we are delighted to be working with Triton Knoll project team and Able UK to bring this about.
“We believe Teesside will continue to grow its contribution to offshore wind construction and the supply chain, and MHI Vestas is pleased to play a lead role in that development.”
Located 32km off the Lincolnshire coast, Triton Knoll is the largest offshore wind farm currently in construction by Innogy.