Wireline Issue 52 Winter 2021

UK government has committed to similar levels of funding support. “The Energy Transition Zone is anticipated to be a centre of excellence for high-value manufacturing and services support for renewables in particular,” says Luigi. “The port expansion is the primary reason why the zone has moved forward as a concept in this location – making use of neighbouring land, and combining it with the new port capabilities, to help drive the transition and optimise economic development.” The harbour has been working with a variety of organisations, including OGUK, the Net Zero Technology Centre and Opportunity North East, to help shape and realise the project’s strategic goals. “The development represents an economic vehicle, facilitating the flow of products, materials and services in and out of the area,” says Luigi. “By working closely with trade bodies and other organisations, we’re maintaining close links to the hinterland – in particular the supply chain – and that is key for the port to function effectively and achieve its potential. “It paves the way for supply chain companies to contribute even more to the energy transition. Many of them will already be focused on it, but it creates many new opportunities because it can host much larger projects.”

The local contracting community has also benefited directly from the construction work itself, with numerous businesses supporting a programme that has made significant progress over recent months. All work at the development has been carried out in line with COVID-19 government guidelines, although the schedule has inevitably been impacted by the pandemic. There have been associated contractor- related challenges, prompting a reshaping of the contracting arrangements last year, though physical work has continued apace (see boxout) . However, all marine operations are now complete and the focus is now on land-based work to create “It paves the way for supply chain companies to contribute even more to the energy transition.”

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