The Port of Blyth on the north-east coast of England is celebrating 25 years of involvement in the offshore wind sector.
As the home of the UK’s first demonstration offshore wind farm, installed in 2000, the port has been at the heart of the industry’s development, contributing to the growth of the sector and supporting the transition to renewable energy in the UK and beyond.
The port’s history in the wind sector dates back to 1993, when Blyth Harbour Wind Farm, the first in the UK in a “marine environment”, was established.
This project featured nine turbines located on the East Pier, marking the beginning of the port’s journey in renewable energy.
Then, in December 2000, Blyth made history by hosting the UK’s first offshore wind turbines.
The Blyth Offshore Demonstrator wind farm consisted originally of two 2MW Vestas wind turbines with a rotor diameter of 66m, which at the time were the largest turbines installed offshore in the world.
Bosses at the port say these historic milestones laid the foundation for its reputation as a leading hub for renewable energy, having supported a diverse range of offshore wind operations over the last 25 years.
Major offshore wind farm projects managed by the port include Neart na Gaoithe, Seagreen, and Sofia.
Today, the Port of Blyth continues to support some of the largest offshore wind farm projects in the world and is home to Energy Central, a mature supply chain of over 50 companies supporting the offshore wind sector.
Through Energy Central Campus, the port also continues to nurture the next generation of clean-energy workers.
Throughout 2025, the port will celebrate its quarter-century milestone by engaging with stakeholders and the community, reflecting on the past 25 years and looking forward to the future.
The port’s chief executive Martin Lawlor OBE said: “The Port of Blyth has been at the forefront of the offshore wind industry for 25 years.
“This campaign not only celebrates our pioneering past but also underscores our ongoing commitment to advancing the UK’s renewable energy transition and supporting the continued growth of the offshore wind sector.
“We are delighted to share our journey with the community, our partners, and stakeholders as we look towards the future of clean energy.”