Navitus Bay has named MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MHI Vestas) as the preferred turbine supplier for the proposed offshore wind farm off the Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight coasts. The turbines’ 80m long blades will be made in MHI Vestas’ factory in Newport on the Isle of Wight, supporting the 200 local jobs currently being created.
This marks the first major step in the procurement process for the wind farm. Further announcements will enable other suppliers in the region to compete to supply the project. MHI Vestas will now be involved in the negotiations to select the wind farm’s operations and maintenance base from a short list of Poole, Portland and Yarmouth.
Mike Unsworth, Project Director of Navitus Bay, said:
“We are determined to maximise the economic benefits of the project across the South Coast so it is fantastic news that the turbine blades for the MHI Vestas turbine will be manufactured on the Isle of Wight. Its factory in Newport looks set for a great future and Navitus Bay would represent a substantial addition to its order book. This would help to safeguard the 200 jobs being created to supply offshore wind projects in the UK. Having suppliers close to the proposed site will also cut down on transport and builds local expertise which will benefit the project and the region”.
Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of the IW Chamber Of Commerce welcomed the announcement:
“This is great news for the Isle of Wight economy and we welcome Navitus Bay’s decision to award the contract to an Island employer. The 200 jobs that MHI Vestas has created are highly skilled positions and this new contract will help to support those Island jobs. I’m glad that the first part of the procurement process has been so positive for the Island’s economy and I hope that many other Isle of Wight businesses and employers will engage with the next stages of the process.”
Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight Council Leader, added:
“This is fantastic news for the Isle of Wight and further confirms our reputation as a centre of excellence for offshore renewable energy. This will create a significant number of long term quality jobs for the Island – not just at MHI Vestas, but also amongst the wide range of Island supply companies. The Isle of Wight Council has been a strong supporter of the Navitus Bay project from day one, recognising that, as well as the windfarm being a significant supplier of sustainable renewable energy; it had the potential to bring a significant benefit to our economy. Today that faith has been vindicated, and we look forward to working with Navitus Bay and MHI Vestas to ensure a successful project and long term economic benefit to the Island.”
Andrew Turner, Isle of Wight MP, said:
“This is great news for our Island economy and the skilled manufacturing base that we continue to build. There is a large pool of Islanders who already have the relevant skills and are keen to be involved in this growing industry where the UK has a real leadership position. MHI Vestas is an important and valuable employer to the Isle of Wight, with more than 200 jobs being created at its wind turbine factory in Newport. The selection of MHI Vestas as the preferred wind turbine supplier also displays a commitment from Navitus Bay to materially benefit our local economy and communities. It also further cements the Island at the heart of the green energy revolution.”
