UK's 1.1-GW Navitus Bay wind farm opens business for Poole, Portland, Yarmouth ports

Jun 27, 2013 - The developer of the up-to-1.1-GW Navitus Bay offshore wind farm near the Isle of Wight in England will closely cooperate with the ports of Poole, Portland and Yarmouth.

In a press release on Wednesday Navitus Bay Development Ltd, a 50/50 joint venture between Dutch energy group Eneco Holding NV and French utility EDF (EPA:EDF), said it had shortlisted the three local ports for the wind farm’s operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. The company plans to also seal memoranda of understanding with these ports related to additional opportunities such as turbine assembly and building the wind park foundations.

Navitus Bay Development said that according to its calculations the wind project O&M base will provide an economic value to the region of GBP 670 million (USD 1bn/EUR 789m) over its 25-year life. It is expected to support 160 working positions each year, including technicians that maintain the turbines.

The developer is also encouraging local businesses to take part in the project. It said there were contract opportunities during the construction phase related to steel fabrication, concrete supply, onshore civil engineering, labour supply, plant hire and marine support services.

(GBP 1 = USD 1.534/EUR 1.177)

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