Grimsby encourages renewables expansion

The new lock gates, which are part of a £500,000 project, have significantly improved the port’s infrastructure and are critical to the development of the renewable energy supply chain at the port.

This will allow capacity for the movement of longer, larger vessels in to the port which provide essential maintenance to the windfarms being constructed off the East Coast of the UK.

Jason Longhurst, head of development, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC), which delivered the project, said: “The Lock Gate extension is a crucial investment in the infrastructure of North East Lincolnshire. Ongoing investment within this area can significantly benefit local businesses and communities bringing jobs and wealth into North East Lincolnshire and enabling the development of the Port of Grimsby and working towards achieving sustainable economic growth for the Humber and Lincolnshire.”

Major businesses already operating out of the port include RES, Siemens and Centrica. DONG Energy recently announced it will be building the £800m Westermost Rough offshore windfarm off the Holderness Coast which could see Grimsby become the base for DONG’s operations and maintenance activities.

Furthermore, £10m of the recent £30 regional growth fund (RGF) awarded to the Humber will go towards the development of key infrastructure, new investment, skills and research and development in the Humber area.