Portsmouth Fruit Specialist Diversifies Into Offshore Wind

Portsmouth-based cargo operator MMD Shipping Services has secured a 10-year agreement with international offshore wind turbine manufacturer MHI Vestas Offshore Wind.

The new deal involves handling wind turbine blades, which measure 80 metres long and weigh 35 tonnes.

From spring this will be a regular service for MMD Shipping Services with 48 smaller vessel movements, and a further 12 services throughout the year.

“This long-term agreement is a game-changer for MMD Shipping Services. MHI Vestas is a high-profile client and being part of their manufacturing process demonstrates the expertise, capacity and equipment on-site to look after large scale cargo. It marks a change in direction for the type of cargo we typically handle and signifies an ability to diversify our current offer,” Mike Sellers, MMD director, said.

The new contract with MHI Vestas has reportedly saved 18 jobs at MMD Shipping Services which has recently undergone significant restructuring. As part of the process, the company, which has so far focussed largely on handling fruit, has appointed a new business development manager to identify commercial opportunities and look at ways the company can adapt to meet the trends in a fast-paced and evolving industry.

James Luter, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind’s director, production, said:” MHI Vestas is delighted to be working with MMD in the storage and loading of our blades from their facility. We look forward to utilising MMD expertise to support the growing offshore wind market in the UK and Europe.”