‘Floating hotel’ will service offshore wind farm

One of Britain’s largest ferry firms has announced radical plans to invest in Yorkshire’s offshore wind sector with the launch of a series of “floating hotels” which will operate from East Coast ports to service vast new wind farms out in the North Sea.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jul 2012, 07:00 BST

P&O Ferries will next week unveil its strategy for entering the renewable energy sector following the success of a converted passenger vessel currently operating out of the Port of Immingham.

The 23,000-tonne ferry the European Seaway underwent extensive refurbishment and remodelling work so that it could be used by technicians constructing the first of the North Sea’s new wave of wind farms off the Lincolnshire coast.

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The “floating hotel” is likely to be the first of a number of such vessels as plans move forward for the construction of several more vast wind farms far out to sea off the east coast.

The Yorkshire Post is lobbying for the region to benefit from the tens of thousands of jobs that are expected to be created through the emergence of the new offshore wind turbine industry.

Stephen Weaver, P&O Ferries’ business development manager, said: “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.”

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Before its re-launch, European Seaway 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.

Local firm 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.

Humber-wide trade body the Team Humber Marine Alliance said this was just the first in what is expected to be a series of opportunities for local firms from the burgeoning sector.

Mark O’Reilly, director of Team Humber Marine Alliance, said: “P&O’s intentions are a real boost for firms in the region.

“It shows that even before any construction work on manufacturing plants on the Humber, new business is already here.”

Related topics:YorkshireBritainYorkshire PostNorth Sea