In a week when P&O Ferries celebrated its 175th birthday, the company has revealed that it is entering the offshore wind sector. It will highlight its future in the renewable energy industry in an industry showcase in Hull (England) on 12 July.
The company has moved into the sector with the conversion of the cross-Channel freight ship, the European Seaway, into an offshore wind farm accommodation vessel and has further signalled its intentions with membership of Team Humber Marine Alliance (THMA), which brings together 160 companies offering significant skills and experience in six key sectors (renewable energy, commercial shipping, inland waterways, offshore oil and gas, defence and security, and nuclear energy).
P&O Ferries will provide an update and overview of its plans for the renewable energy sector when hosting a THMA event aboard the Pride of Rotterdam, at King George Dock next week.
"The investment we have made in the European Seaway makes her the ideal ship for all offshore support work of this type. As the renewable sector grows, we are perfectly placed to grow alongside it and we have every intention of securing further charter work for this ship and potentially other similar ships in our fleet," comments Stephen Weaver, P&O Ferries' business development manager. "It is all about forging alliances and one of the main reasons for becoming a Team Humber member is because of the readily available supply chain the Alliance has among its 160 member companies. We're pleased to add the voice of P&O Ferries to the cause.
"The time is ripe to highlight the region's strengths and a business community projecting its merits carries a lot more punch than the constituent companies can accomplish alone."
Mark O'Reilly, director, Team Humber Marine Alliance, adds: "One of our members, Hull-based Best Service (Europe), has played a prominent role in the refit of the European Seaway and there is genuine potential for us to be involved in further P&O Ferries projects.
"P&O's intentions are a real boost for firms in the region and show that even before any construction work on manufacturing plants on the Humber new business is already here."
The European Seaway has been supplied to GLID, a joint venture between Centrica Renewable Energy Limited and EIG, on a three-month time charter for use by technicians working on the North Sea Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm array four miles off Skegness.
The 23,000-tonne ro-ro vessel was refitted with new equipment and facilities, including hull access doors, cranes, and boarding ladders. Some of the ship's cabins were also upgraded and further offices were installed.
Best Service designed and installed the cabling and signalling to provide Sky TV in general areas and cabins for 100 offshore wind technicians and 50 crew.
The European Seaway is based at Immingham and returns to port once a fortnight to pick up supplies.
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