Vestas Ends Turbine Factory Plans at Port of Sheerness, UK

June 22, 2012

Port of Sheerness and Vestas have jointly announced that further development of a Vestas facility at the port will not proceed at this stage. Port of Sheerness and Vestas thank both the local council and community for their great co-operation to date.

Vestas comments on this announcement:

”Vestas’ strong commitment to the development of both the offshore and onshore wind industries is not affected by this decision. We will remain active across the two markets in the UK as they both continue to show considerable potential,” says Juan Araluce, Chief Sales Officer at Vestas Wind Systems A/S.

Peel Ports Chief Executive, Mark Whitworth said:

“We are extremely disappointed that we have been unable to conclude the agreement with Vestas. However, we remain fully committed to the strategy outlined for the Port of Sheerness of attracting major renewables manufacturers to complement our valued heritage business within the significant footprint of the Port.

“Port of Sheerness’ natural attributes, strategic location and planning consent remain a compelling proposition for major wind turbine manufacturers and will facilitate the delivery of major new investment into the port and the Kent economy.”

Unchanged commitment from Vestas to offshore wind

Vestas has a strong presence in the UK, including the newly upgraded test facilities on the Isle of Wight that undertakes research and development into all aspects of wind turbine technology. The facility on the Isle of Wight will build and test the first components for Vestas’ new offshore dedicated turbine the V164-7.0 MW, including its 80 metre long blades. Vestas is also working on the development and construction of a number of key wind projects, both onshore and offshore, with UK customers.

As part of its continued commitment to the offshore wind market Vestas will install the first V164-7.0 MW prototype during 2014. Timing for serial production of the V164-7.0 MW will, as earlier communicated, depend on market development and firm and unconditional orders from customers.

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Offshore WIND staff, June 22, 2012; Image: Vestas