Major new operations base for Humber's offshore wind industry to create jobs

RWE welcomed local MPs Lia Nici and Martin Vickers to its expanding Grimsby Hub, a new “state of the art” operations and maintenance facility, currently under construction at the company’s existing site in Grimsby’s Royal Docks.

During the visit, the MPs took a tour around the facility, met with staff and had the opportunity to hear more about RWE’s future planned investment in the region.

RWE is responsible for operating the existing Humber Gateway and Triton Knoll offshore wind farms from the Grimsby Docks as well as the construction of the Sofia offshore wind farm and the development of a further two offshore wind farms on Dogger Bank in the North Sea.

Once fully operational, the Grimsby Hub will be the operations base for Triton Knoll and Sofia as well as hosting RWE’s Centralised Control Room (CCR), where technicians will oversee the operation of the vast majority of the company’s UK offshore portfolio, further reaffirming the Humber’s role as a leading location for the UK’s offshore wind sector.

Humber based firm Hobson & Porter is responsible for the construction of the multi-million pound facility, which is expected to accommodate around 140 RWE employees in total. The Grimsby Hub has the potential to bring around 70 new skilled jobs to the region, plus indirect jobs required in support.

Although still under construction, recruitment is well underway with the opening of over 20 technician roles in support of the Sofia offshore wind farm.

The location of the Grimsby Hub at the Royal Docks was chosen because of its proximity to existing and future projects and its deep-water quayside, which is suited to the use of Service Operations Vessels (SOVs).

Construction is due to complete next year and will include a joint control room offering 24/7 monitoring of multiple sites, new shared office space, and separate warehouse facilities.

Guy Middleton, RWE general manager for the Grimsby Hub, hosted the visit and commented: “It was fantastic to welcome Lia and Martin to the Grimsby Hub to discuss our investment plans for the local region, which will bring plenty of skilled roles and provide many opportunities for the regional supply chain.”

RWE’s newly appointed director for Net Zero East Coast UK, Corinne Barry, added: “It is a hugely exciting time for RWE in the Humber with all the new investment proposed, and I cannot wait to see our plans progress. The Humber has gained an enviable reputation in supporting the country’s net zero ambitions and RWE is proud to be a part of its future!”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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