Navitus Bay Signs MoU with Three Local Ports

Navitus Bay Development Ltd (NBDL) yesterday officially entered into ‘memoranda of understanding’ (MOU) with three local ports – Poole, Yarmouth and Portland.

These formal agreements commit the developer to undertaking studies with the ports that will explore how their facilities could be best used in both the construction and operation & maintenance (O&M) phases of the wind park.

Navitus Bay first shortlisted the three local ports to host the wind park’s O&M functions in summer 2013. This latest development formalises the developer’s commitment to using local facilities.

Yesterday’s announcement sees Navitus Bay invest £100,000 into feasibility studies. They will assess factors critical to the construction and maintenance of the wind park, such as space available, depth of water and storage facilities and how these can be altered or improved to accommodate Navitus Bay’s requirements.

As part of the agreement, the ports will also keep suitable areas of the sites available for Navitus Bay to use from 2017 onwards.

The potential economic benefits of the wind park to the ports and surrounding region is significant. According to latest independent projections, peak construction years could support a minimum of 1700 jobs, while the O&M base is expected to support around 140 jobs annually, for example skilled technicians to maintain the turbines. The O&M base is expected to provide an economic value to the region of £590 million over the 25 year lifespan of the project.

Mike Unsworth, Project Director at Navitus Bay, said:

“Our ultimate aim is to enter into a contract with one, or a combination, of these three ports that says they will accommodate construction and installation activities and host the O&M base.

“The wind park will have a significant impact on the local economy by creating skilled jobs and opportunities for local businesses to get involved, and Navitus Bay remains committed to making sure these positive benefits are realised.

“If any other local businesses would like to find out about the opportunities the proposed wind park could provide, I would urge them to contact us via our website.”

Cllr Elaine Atkinson, Leader of the Council, Borough of Poole, said:

“Should the Government give the go ahead for the Navitus Bay scheme, the Port of Poole would clearly want to benefit from the potential investment and creation of skilled jobs. Situated in Europe’s largest natural harbour, the port would be ideally placed to offer the base required to run the operations and maintenance for such a scheme.”

Andrew Turner, MP for the Isle of Wight, said:

“This project is not without controversy, but this is an important initiative to explore the opportunities for jobs and investment that could come to the Island. 

“As well as employment directly linked to the construction, development and maintenance of the site, there could be more jobs arising indirectly due to increased demand for hotel accommodation, pubs, restaurants and other facilities. 

“The feasibility study will help to quantify those benefits so that the community can be properly informed.  The Old Gaffers is always well attended and I am pleased that Islanders will have an opportunity there to find out more and make their views known directly to the company.”

Ian McQuade, General Manager of Portland Harbour Authority, said:

“The signing of the MOU is an important step along the road to realising one of the biggest economic opportunities Portland and Dorset is likely to see for many years. Portland Port hopes that this is just the first of a number of agreements that will culminate in commercial activities taking place at the port in support of the Navitus Bay wind park.”

Jim Stewart, Chief Executive, Poole Harbour Commissioners, said:

“This MOU forms part of our strategy for greater diversification in port activities going forward.”

Chris Lisher, Chief Executive/ Harbour Master, Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners, said:

“This opportunity is extremely important not only to the future of Yarmouth Harbour, but also a wide variety of businesses across the Isle of Wight.

“This could bring in excess of 100 jobs to the area and potentially many more with contractors and suppliers to Navitus Bay, as well as expenditure on the Island of more than £10 million per year for the whole length of the 25 year contract. We will continue to work energetically to win this contract for the benefit of the local community.” 

Press release, April 1, 2014; Image: Navitus Bay