A Ł50m investment by Belfast Harbour to develop a new terminal for the assembly of offshore wind turbines is providing a major boost for the Northern Ireland construction and aggregate sectors.
The project, the largest ever in the Harbour’s 400-year history, will create 150 construction jobs and generate demand for one million tonnes of stone from local quarries.
It was confirmed today that Northern Ireland-based Farrans (Construction) Ltd has won the contract to deliver the new terminal. The 50-acre facility will initially support the construction of the West of Duddon Sands offshore wind farm – a 50/50 joint venture between DONG Energy and ScottishPower Renewables. The facility will then be utilised by DONG Energy for its future Irish Sea operations.
Attending a site visit at Belfast Harbour, Charles Jordan, ScottishPower Renewables’ Project Director, said:
“As part of the largest wind energy company in the world, Iberdrola, we know the importance of the ongoing development of the UK’s offshore wind potential. Offshore wind provides a major opportunity to diversify and secure energy supplies, but, as this investment demonstrates, it will also act as a major economic stimulant for other sectors such as construction.”
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By OffshoreWIND staff, November 24, 2011; Image: belfast-harbour