Ash Dock pours new life into energy port

A Northumberland dock has been upgraded to support offshore energy growth.

Esh Construction has completed the £8.35 million transformation of Ash Barge Dock, at Northumberland Energy Park (NEP), working alongside Ashington-based property investment company Advance Northumberland.

The project, part of Energy Central – the UK’s offshore energy and subsea hub near Port of Blyth – began in June 2024 and included the installation of 173 steel piles and more than 6000 cubic metres of reinforced concrete to create a high-capacity dockside for importing and exporting heavy components and goods.

Upgrades also included modern mooring bollards, improved drainage and a new concrete surface covering more than 8000sq metres to enable the safe movement of goods and vehicles.

Bosses say the revitalised dock will play a key role in supporting the growth of the region’s clean energy economy, helping “drive regeneration, investment and skilled job creation” by strengthening the port’s appeal to offshore wind and subsea industries across the globe.

Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Bowburn-headquartered Esh Construction, said: “It has been great to work with Advance Northumberland on this project, and we are proud to have completed the scheme which forms part of the wider phase one enabling works at the Ash Barge Dock.

“By bringing our expertise to the job and collaborating closely with our client and their design team, we have been able to successfully build strength into the dock’s infrastructure, which will allow it to handle the demands of modern industry, as well as support more intricate projects in the renewable energy sector.”

Steven Harrison, chief executive at Advance Northumberland, added: “The completion of the Ash Barge Dock marks a significant step forward for Northumberland Energy Park and the wider Energy Central cluster. 

“This facility is now ready to serve future occupiers, helping to drive regeneration, investment and skilled job creation across Northumberland.”

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