The Port of Tyne is preparing for its future as a hub for growing industries with a multimillion-pound investment.
The vestiges of bygone industries are currently being cleared on land at the port, as part of its preparations for offshore wind manufacturers.
As one of just two deep sea ports in the North East and the closest to seven wind farms, the port has revealed it is making further progress to prepare unused land which can be used within the growing offshore industry.
The Port of Tyne , within 100 nautical miles of the Dogger Bank, Hornsea, Seagreen and Sofia wind farms, has reclaimed 30 acres of land and invested the multimillion-pound sum in making Tyne Dock Enterprise Park ‘offshore ready’.
Round four of the tender process by the Crown Estate, which is responsible for awarding seabed rights for offshore renewable energy projects is now nearing completion.
As a result, the Port is investing substantially in the third phase of clearance and remediation of Tyne Dock Enterprise Park.
The other phases have included the demolition of a number of buildings, the infilling of a former slipway, and the relocation of a substation.
The third phase of work on the infrastructure programme at the Enterprise Park has involved land reclamation and completing the infill of Tyne Dock, to add 30 acres of land.
It has also led to the demolition of a 2,000sqm former crane tower, as well as other works to further clear the site.
Demolition was completed earlier in November, making it now well placed to support the needs of offshore wind developers looking for a North East location.
Matt Beeton, chief executive officer, said: “Offshore Wind is a sector in which the North East has particular strengths and an area of strategic importance for the regional economy, with the potential to build on our already globally important offshore energy and subsea cluster.
“Tyne Dock Enterprise Park offers unrivalled access to the East Coast development sites, direct rail connectivity to Newcastle and an international airport, major road networks and multiple riverside berths.”
The Port of Tyne will be joining over 9,000 wind industry professionals in Copenhagen this month at the Wind Europe Offshore conference and exhibition.
