Hull engineering firm signs framework on transport vessels for Siemens’ turbine blades

A Hull-based electrical engineering firm has signed a framework agreement to provide maintenance work on vessels transporting Siemens’ turbine blades from Green Port Hull to wind farms in the North Sea.

Pearson Electrical has entered a Framework agreement with A2SEA, which operates vessels and equipment for turbine installation.

A2SEA was searching for a company located in Hull to undertake electrical repair work on its turbine installation vessels being used to install Siemens components on Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm.

Crew on A2SEA’s SEA CHALLENGER vessel have recently installed the first turbine on the 402MW Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm for Statoil, Masdar and Statkraft.

For the next several months, the vessel will install the turbines being shipped from Green Port Hull at the city’s Alexandra Dock.

Mark Pearson, director at Pearson Electrical Limited, said: “For more than 30 years, we have worked in the marine, industrial and hazardous area sectors, so it’s fantastic to be able to take our expertise and apply it to wind energy.

“As a Hull business, we have followed the development of the Siemens blade manufacturing facility closely, and we’re delighted to play a part in the transportation of the parts to Dudgeon in the North Sea.

“A2SEA opened talks with us last year about being on the framework. Fortunately, we’d received some funding from the Green Port Growth Programme to achieve a vital ISO accreditation, which was crucial to accessing the framework.”

Jens Nielsen, procurement director at A2SEA, added: “It’s important for A2SEA to use and develop the local supply chain for support of our project operation in the Hull region. With the framework agreement with Pearson Electrical, A2SEA has taken another important step in this direction.

“Pearson Electrical has been proactive in the initial process, having the right capabilities and organisation to support future A2SEA demands within their core business.”

With an investment of over £26m, the Green Port Growth Programme, which is supported by the Regional Growth Fund, is designed to provide continual support to help businesses take advantage of potential opportunities within the renewables sector.

Dawn Hall, project manager for the Green Port Growth Programme’s business support team, said: “To win work in the renewables sector, businesses in Hull and the East Riding need to be competitive. At the Green Port Growth Programme, that’s something we can help with. From assessing the businesses and recommending next steps, to helping secure funding, we can give companies the support to put them in the strongest position possible to reach renewables opportunities.

“Pearson Electrical is a fantastic example of how a local business can play a part in the supply chain, regardless of size. We are delighted to see Mark and his team placed on A2SEA’s framework.”