The Flushing-based BOW Terminal has definitively decided to expand its future offshore wind activities with a new logistics hub in the northern part of Groningen, the Netherlands, following an agreement to purchase a total of 22ha of land in Eemshaven.
The official signing of the contract between BOW Terminal and Groningen Seaports will take place on 23 October, during the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) in Amsterdam.
The two companies signed a Letter of Intent with regards to establishing an offshore wind hub in Eemshaven in October 2017.
In view of the energy transition in Western Europe and the number of projects planned in the area, this expansion was a logical step, according to BOW terminal’s Managing Director Ludolf Reijntjes.
“We have had several positive sessions with Groningen Seaports and we are both confident that this new terminal will be an additional asset for the market. With this new facility BOW Terminal will focus on four markets: heavy lift, decommissioning, oil & gas and off course offshore wind,” Reijntjes said.
The new terminal will be located directly along a 525-metre mostly prioritized quay at the Wilhelmina Harbour. The quay strength of this prioritized part will be upgraded to 10 tons/m2. With a water depth of 16 metres, the Wilhelmina Harbour has the highest water depth in Eemshaven and is therefore suitable for deepwater vessels.
The new BOW Terminal facility will be operational in the second quarter of 2019.
“BOW Terminal Eemshaven will provide its clients with a team of local experts in the field,” said Reijntjes, suggesting that there will be opportunities for local companies and residents.