RenewableUK Chief Executive Hugh McNeal has highlighted the importance of the North East of England’s supply chain to the offshore wind sector on a visit to the region.
Mr McNeal, who leads the UK’s leading renewable energy trade association, visited Osbit Ltd’s quayside facility at the Port of Blyth where the company produces a range of innovative engineering solutions for the offshore industry.
With its roots in the oil & gas industry, Osbit has successfully diversified its operations to support the expanding offshore renewables sector, most notably in offshore wind where its technologies have supported the industry’s strategy of controlling and reducing operational costs.
Osbit’s capabilities include installation solutions for subsea cables and turbine foundations, offshore access solutions and subsea trenching tools. Many of the company’s systems have been utilised on recent offshore wind farm developments in British waters and as far afield as Japan.
During the visit Mr McNeal met with Osbit directors and engineers, who deliver creative and effective solutions to the industry and showed him around some of the projects currently being assembled at the facility.
Hugh McNeal, Chief Executive of RenewableUK, said: “Osbit is a great example of a British company, which is designing, building and delivering innovative technology in the UK’s thriving offshore wind sector, as well as exporting its expertise overseas.
“The firm’s world-class designers and engineers are helping to drive down the cost of offshore wind even further by ensuring that projects stay on schedule and operate efficiently.
“The fact that Osbit is based in Northumberland and has its manufacturing facilities at the Port of Blyth shows that the North East of England is reaping its share of the enormous economic benefits of offshore wind. It is one of a large number of UK companies involved in this rapidly-expanding sector which are helping to revitalise the region.”
Robbie Blakeman, Director of Osbit Ltd, said: “We were very proud to have the opportunity to highlight Osbit’s capabilities, along with those of our supply chain, to RenewableUK and demonstrate the innovation and ingenuity that exists in the North East of England, which is actively playing a positive role in the offshore wind industry.
“The region is a hub for engineering excellence and contains a cluster of experienced companies, such as Osbit, which are enabling the industry to achieve its construction and operation objectives through the application of North East skills, technology and services.”
Pictured: Hugh McNeal (left) and Osbit Director Robbie Blakeman (right) at Port of Blyth