UK freeport to boost offshore wind investment

Freeport East, centred on Hutchison Ports’ Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International Port, offers vast space as well as deep water facilities and lock-free access. The proposed freeport is ideally situated for offshore wind, said George Kieffer, Chairman of the Freeport East Project Board.

“The UK is the world’s largest market for the development and deployment of offshore wind and Freeport East sits right at its heart,” said Mr Kieffer. “The southern North Sea is the most densely populated area for offshore wind projects, home to 52% of the UK’s entire operational fleet with more developments planned.

“Securing Freeport status will help attract additional investment in this vital sector, helping to regenerate an area in need of levelling-up and delivering on Government’s targets for net-zero emissions.”

Harwich International Port has already been involved in a number of offshore wind projects as Clemence Cheng, executive director of Hutchison Ports, explained: “Harwich International has already supported the construction of Greater Gabbard, Galloper, London Array, Gunfleet Sands, and Thanet offshore wind farms and proximity to the physical market is a key consideration of any wind farm developer. Future development could deliver sheltered deep water with up to 1.4km of new quays for heavy lift installation vessels, barges and crew transfer vessels, amongst others.

“A new offshore wind hub at Harwich, built on over 270 acres of land adjacent to Harwich International Port, could provide dedicated installation, engineering and manufacturing facilities, as well as supporting office space and ancillary functions.”

An offshore wind hub could include a high-spec innovation and technology centre to attract innovative businesses, supporting cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering solutions for offshore wind.

In addition to construction of new offshore wind farms, Freeport East is ideally located to support offshore wind Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities. German company RWE, a major generator of sustainable energy, already has an O&M base at Harwich.