Dutch logistics company Xellz has acquired additional land at the port of Rosslare in Ireland for its planned offshore wind hub.
Xellz said a further 100,000 square metres has been added to the 200,000 square metres it had secured previously at the port.
“The decision to obtain this new land has also progressed plans to create a ‘free zone’ at Rosslare Europort and the Europort business park,” the company said.
It added that following last week’s announcement by Iarnrod Eireann that Rosslare Europort is to undergo a major transformation with a €30m investment, Xellz intends to secure the port’s position as a competitive offshore wind hub by developing a free zone.
Free zones are secured customs areas within the EU where non-EU goods can be introduced free of import duties, charges and commercial policy measures, the company said.
These goods may, following time in the free zones, be released to the domestic market subject to payment of import duties and other charges, it added.
Through its offshore services subsidiary 24shore SBS (Supply Base Services) and Xellz Ireland, the company will establish an offshore wind supply base to serve and support future offshore wind farms.
The business park will offer storage and assembly areas to manage turbines, transition pieces and mobilisation equipment.
There will also be areas for companies providing maintenance, operational and repair services.
The space will also house a new training facility for the renewable industry.
24shore Ireland chief strategy officer Phonsey Croke said: “This gives companies who locate in the Rosslare Europort business park free zone the ability to operate and install offshore wind farms in a cost-effective and competitive manner.
“There are many offshore wind farms to be installed and operated in Ireland, UK, and across the continent and having a Free Zone will help ease the flow of goods and keep projects moving.”
Xellz Ireland chief executive Finbarr Cleary said: “We are committed to making the Rosslare development a national success story.
“The support we have received from the wider community, industry associations, local and national government and independent agencies has been really encouraging.
“The south-east of Ireland is set to become an area of international commercial activity as well as an operations & maintenance centre of excellence for many industries.”