The UK operator PD Ports has announced early-stage plans for a significant offshore wind manufacturing and installation hub at Teesport, in the north of England. The local headquartered port operator is aiming to position the site as a key component of the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.
The proposed Teesport Offshore Gateway would see the development of up to 180 acres (73 hectares) of land to support offshore wind-related activities. PD ports, the company behind the plans, say this will include manufacturing, assembly, marshalling, and supply chain services. If realised, the project could represent an investment of approximately £200 million and contribute to the UK Government’s wider objectives around Net Zero and energy security.
Floating and fixed-bottom projects
A central feature of the development would be the construction of a proposed 1km long deep-water quay along the River Tees. With a planned depth of 15.5 metres, PD ports say the berth would accommodate the world’s largest offshore installation vessels. It would offer direct, unrestricted access to the North Sea.
The location is suitable for both floating and fixed-bottom wind turbine projects, according to the port operator. PD Ports, which operates Teesport, the UK’s sixth largest port, said the proposed site would benefit from its strategic location, supported by existing infrastructure, road and rail links, and a skilled local workforce. Teesport is in transition, from predominantly a port serving heavy industry to a more diverse operation. Recently, for example, the port was the focus of increased intermodal traffic, including a scheduled rail service to Manchester. Teesport also figured in the WorldCargo News review of European Ro-Ro operations earlier this year.
Significant job creation
Frans Calje, Chief Executive Officer at PD Ports, said the project demonstrates Teesside’s adaptability and potential in a changing global energy landscape. “One of Teesside’s great strengths is its ability to reinvent itself in the face of change,” he said. “As the UK and the wider world turns its attention to large-scale renewable energy sources, here at PD Ports we see the opportunity, and the responsibility, to play our part by offering an offshore wind development site that is perfectly positioned to unlock the capability of our region, not only as a hub for trade and industry, but also to deliver the clean energy revolution.”
Teesport and the River Tees offer the necessary characteristics for large-scale offshore wind operations. “Teesport and the River Tees has everything required to successfully operate what we believe will be one of the largest offshore wind manufacturing and assembly hubs on the east coast of the UK, offering unrivalled access to the North Sea,” explained Frans Calje. “Although these proposals are at an early stage, we are confident that this development will support the UK Government’s ambitions for future offshore wind power generation. We also firmly believe that a facility such as this will lead to significant job creation – driving growth, employment and skills training opportunities in our coastal communities.”
Additional bulk and container traffic
The plans remain subject to planning and marine consent amendments. Specifically, they would require a variation of existing approvals for deep-water berth development. However, the initiative has already received baseline permissions that provide a framework for the proposed expansion.
The Teesport Offshore Gateway is part of a broader push to expand the port’s capabilities. PD Ports noted that the project would not only support offshore renewables but also open new opportunities for additional bulk and container traffic, complementing existing facilities such as the Teesport Container Terminal and Tees Bulk Quay.
PD Ports is seeking to consult with stakeholders across the offshore renewables supply chain, including OEMs, developers, government bodies, and industry experts, to inform the next phase of project design and identify collaborative and funding opportunities.