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Offshore wind industry showcases opportunities for UK supply chain companies


An updated guide published today by the Offshore Wind Industry Council highlights how companies based in the UK can become part of the fast-growing global offshore wind supply chain – and for those already working in it how they can win further multi-million-pound contracts.

The online resource, “Collaborating for Growth – Playbook”, contains case studies of leading offshore wind developers and suppliers working closely with supply chain companies throughout the country, engaging with them at an early stage to ensure they understand the precise needs of the sector, including their requirements on delivery timings and technical specifications.

This is the second edition of the guide – it is revised every two years to provide the latest examples on how companies can best position themselves to secure new orders.

The industry is committed to increasing the lifetime UK content of our offshore wind projects.

The guide showcases the wide range of contracts on offer. For example, North Star Shipping is providing four new service operation vessels to take technicians to and from Dogger Bank offshore wind farm off the east coast of Yorkshire in a 10-year contract worth £360 million which will create 170 local jobs. Drilling specialists AMS Trenchless in Scunthorpe are working closely with Ørsted connecting offshore turbines to onshore substations. SeAH is investing £400m in setting up a factory on the south bank of the River Tees to manufacture monopile foundations for projects in UK waters and for export worldwide.

The guide was compiled by the Industry Lead for the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and Equinor’s Leading Business Developer, Sophie Banham, who said:

“In this second edition of the Playbook, the industry has yet again been able to demonstrate the wide variety of ways that developers and key suppliers support the growth of the UK supply chain. We hope that these examples can provide inspiration – for those looking to become a supplier to the offshore wind market or to grow their existing business – of how OWIC members can provide the additional support needed to help them achieve success”.

The Co-Chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council Danielle Lane, Vattenfall’s UK Country Manager, said:

“It’s great to see these latest examples of how offshore wind developers work closely with an extraordinary range of companies around the country to find new and innovative ways to grow the UK supply chain. As a result we’re seeing new investment in factories built in Britain and UK companies winning multi-million pound contracts here and abroad. This guide is an important resource for new entrants into this vibrant market, as well as companies looking for ways to diversify their activities even further within our sector”.

“We’re determined to continue to expand this collaboration, attracting more investment, creating more jobs and boosting productivity by bringing more UK suppliers into the market. Competition fosters innovation and helps to keeps costs down, benefitting British consumers and driving an affordable energy transition for our country. That’s why online resources like this are so important, as they help to ensure that the UK is maximising the huge economic benefits which the offshore wind industry offers to those willing to seize new opportunities”.