First glimpse of multi-million pound Port of Tyne base set to create 200 new jobs

Images have been unveiled of the design for a new operations facility at Port of Tyne set to create hundreds of jobs.

The multi-million pound Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Base will serve as the main hub for operating the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which when complete will be capable of powering six million homes.

SSE Renewables is leading on construction of the wind farm and Equinor will operate the wind farm for its lifetime of up to 35 years, creating over 200 direct jobs in the region.

Working with Newcastle-headquartered design practice Ryder Architecture, Equinor has designed the O&M Base to be built using environmentally friendly materials. EV chargers, solar panels and efficient heating systems.

As well as offices for those based onshore and a warehouse for spare parts storage, the design includes development of a new quay suitable for Service Operations Vessels (SOVs) that provide accommodation and transport for technicians to and from the wind farm.

Halfdan Brustad, vice president for Dogger Bank at Equinor, commented: “Dogger Bank is set to have a huge impact in the North East of England. On top of the hundreds of direct jobs the project creates, opportunities from the project will reach many others in the region from industry suppliers to catering companies.

“Over the last month investment for a new manufacturing facility in Teesside has been announced, set to provide the 107m turbine blades to Dogger Bank, and the contract for our three operations vessels has been awarded to a Scottish company, creating further jobs in Scotland and the North East.

“We specifically chose a local firm, Ryder, to work closely with in designing this flagship facility, and have ensured it is both environmentally sustainable and future-fit in order to attract the best local talents to join our team. We share the final designs with pride, and can’t wait to get started!”

Matt Beeton, chief executive officer of the Port of Tyne, added: “The site is well underway at the Port of Tyne with ground and quayside improvements taking place.

“The Port and the region are excited to see the start of Equinor’s new facility which will not only provide much needed jobs but also start our journey to supporting the biggest offshore wind farm in the world.”