Offshore wind ports in Europe form platform

Industry group WindEurope said today it has created the Offshore Wind Ports Platform with the aim of improving the communication between ports and industry and highlighting the role of ports in offshore wind cost reduction.

The Port of Esbjerg, Green Port Hull, Groningen Seaports, Atlantic Port La Rochelle, Port of Amsterdam, Port of Den Helder, Port Oostende, and Renewable Energy Base Oostende (REBO) have joined the platform.

"In an industry where the number and technological dimensions of projects are developing so rapidly, ports are continuously adapting their infrastructure to cater for ever larger components, bigger vessels and an increased number of activities," said Pierre Tardieu, WindEurope chief policy officer. He added that as offshore oil and gas activities decline ports are shifting focus to the fast-growing offshore wind sector. Europe has so far installed 12.6 GW of offshore wind turbines and is expected to reach 24.6 GW by 2020, WindEurope says.

The platform will allow ports with offshore wind interests to share best practice and engage with industry and policy-makers with a united voice, according to the announcement.

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