Port set for green energy growth with Ørsted deal

A maritime trade hub is set to support one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms.

Hornsea 3, developed by global offshore wind leader Ørsted, has signed a lease for up to 100,000sq metres at the Port of Tyne, within the Tyne Clean Energy Park in South Shields. 

The site will be used to marshal secondary steel components for the 2.9 GW Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm, which will be the world’s largest when complete, generating enough electricity to power over three million UK homes.

Denmark-headquartered Ørsted will deploy the components via the Wind Orca, a state-of-the-art jack-up vessel operated by Cadeler. 

Matt Beeton, chief executive at the Port of Tyne, said: “Ørsted’s decision to base its marshalling operations at the Port of Tyne marks another significant milestone for the North East. 

“It represents a clear vote of confidence in the infrastructure, skills and capabilities we have developed at the Tyne Clean Energy Park.

“This partnership is not only about delivering clean energy – it is about securing international investment, driving economic growth and creating the highly skilled jobs that will sustain our communities for generations, anchored by our best-in-class offshore wind base.”

Jason Ledden, senior project director for Hornsea 3 at Ørsted, added: “The construction of Hornsea 3 will greatly improve energy security for the UK, as well as bringing investment into the local and national economy. 

“This means home-grown clean power, skilled jobs and economic growth.

“Ørsted’s vision is to create a world that runs entirely on green energy and the dedication of skilled workers all over the UK, including at the Port of Tyne, will help make that happen.”

Structural steel contractor Severfield and multidisciplinary construction firm Smulders will fabricate and supply key structural elements, with the Port of Tyne providing deep berths and 24/7 operations to support construction. 

The project is valued at £8.5 billion and is expected to drive local and national economic growth while boosting the UK’s energy security.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: “We are making the North East the home of the green energy revolution, and investments like this from Ørsted are a major vote of confidence in the people of the North East, their skills and commitment.

“There is nowhere better to access the North Sea and offshore wind industry than the North East and paired with the sector leading facilities and capabilities of our skilled Ports and workers, we are making our region the best place to invest and drive forward on our green energy ambitions.”

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