Orsted has launched a video showcasing the world-leading role that the English town of Grimsby has played in offshore wind development.
The video – ‘Grimsby: Turning the Tide’ – focusses on the transformation that has been brought about in the east coast town by the offshore sector.
It was launched on 27 August at local brewery Docks Beers and showcases good news stories that have come out of the development of offshore wind within the town and the many people affected by its success.
They include local entrepreneurs, councillors, business owners and apprentices, with all those featured having something positive to say about the industry.
Orsted head of Lincs operations Mark Hickson said: “As a local resident myself, I’m proud to work for a company who is making real waves in transforming the economic landscape of the town.
“The video we’ve created only incorporates some of the many people who are proud to work alongside Orsted and join us on this incredible journey of clean energy production.”
Grimsby was once the proud owner of the world’s largest fishing port.
But the town’s fishing industry declined in the 1980’s and consequently, unemployment rates grew.
However, Grimsby now has a new legacy – the world-leading location for offshore wind power, Orsted said.
The town welcomed Orsted onto the port in 2014 with a site hosting less than 20 employees.
Five years later and the company now employs 350 people at its operations and maintenance facility on the docks.
Known as the East Coast Hub, the world’s largest offshore wind O&M base is located on the edge of the energy estuary and sees 83% of Orsted’s employees living within an hour’s drive.
The benefits to businesses in the local area are also featured in the film.
A local delicatessen speaks about how offshore wind has enabled rapid growth.
Ex-fish auctioneer turned entrepreneur Kurt Christensen said: “It’s fantastic to see this sort of investment in Grimsby.
“Orsted have engaged with the community in a manner of different ways and is dedicated to making a real difference locally.
“Where possible, they’ve shown that they’re keen to buy and employ locally and personally, I’m so pleased that they chose to set up their site in our town.”