Dong Energy to set up offshore wind operations hub in UK

Danish energy company Dong Energy is planning to set up a new operational hub for offshore wind in Grimsby, the UK.

The proposed multi-million pound project will initially support Westermost Rough, Race Bank and Hornsea Project One offshore wind farms.

It will also support the company’s future wind farms in the east coast.

Dong Energy UK chairman Brent Cheshire  said: “This new operational hub in Grimsby will be a game changing industry first, raising the bar for the way we serve offshore wind farms. It will generate direct and indirect job opportunities in the Humber region, as well as opportunities for the local supply chain.

 “It represents a massive vote of confidence to the UK offshore wind industry and confirms our commitment to the Humber region where by 2019 we expect to have invested around GBP 6bn.”

The hub will be supported by high-tech vessels with the capacity to accommodate up to 60 crew and technicians, while remaining at sea for long periods, Dong said in a statement.

It will also house a marine coordination centre that will provide 24/7 service to offshore operations across the UK and beyond.

Ostensjo Rederi will supply Rolls-Royce-built service operational vessels (SOVs) to support the new hub.

The first vessel will be delivered arrive late next year to support a phased activation on the facility.

The vessel will initially support the operation and maintenance of 580MW Race Bank offshore wind farm currently under construction 17 miles off the Norfolk and Lincolnshire coastlines.

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Image:  The proposed hub will be served by high-tech vessels. Photo: courtesy of DONG Energy.

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