Orsted has officially opened its UK east coast operations and maintenance hub in the port of Grimsby, England.
The new base is now the world’s largest O&M hub and employs over 350 people, the developer said.
The base services four operational Orsted projects off east England – the 573MW Race Bank, 270MW Lincs, 210MW Westermost Rough and the 172MW Gunfleet Sands developments.
The facility will also be used to service the 1.2GW Hornsea 1 project off Yorkshire, which will be fully operational next year, and the 1.4GW Hornsea 2 project, which is due online in 2022.
The base is the result of a £10m investment at Grimsby Fish Dock and its surrounding quayside.
Orsted east coast region head Darren Ramshaw said Grimsby has become a leading light in the development of offshore wind.
“(Grimsby) has really embraced the skills and opportunities that have become available within this exciting sector. With the port’s regeneration also on the horizon, we are excited to be a part of the development and growth in this area,” he said.
The site features a new marine and helicopter co-ordination centre, which Orsted operates round the clock to monitor transfers to and from projects in its portfolio.
Great Grimsby MP Malanie Onn said: “Offshore wind has already boosted our local economy and helped transform our town for the better.
“Grimsby is now known as leader in offshore wind technology and I am proud that our town is leading the UK in producing renewable energy.”