Port of Blyth has been appointed operator of the new Cambois Dock at Northumberland Energy Park following a competitive tender process led by Advance Northumberland, strengthening the Port’s long-term expansion plans and reinforcing its role at the centre of the UK’s offshore energy sector.
Located within the wider regeneration area of the former Blyth Power Station site, Cambois Dock represents a major addition to the Port’s growing Energy Central cluster. Originally constructed in the late 1950s, the former Ash Barge Dock served the power station and has now been transformed into a modern facility capable of accommodating larger cable vessels and supporting operations at the adjacent JDR subsea cable manufacturing facility.
The appointment forms part of the Port of Blyth’s wider growth and investment strategy and follows the recent announcement of the Port’s proposed up to £100 million expansion of its Battleship Wharf Terminal. The two sites are directly adjacent and operationally integrated strengthening the Port’s ability to deliver efficient, joined up operations as part of a wider expansion plan that will significantly enhance capacity, infrastructure and capability to support the next generation of offshore wind and clean energy projects.
The milestone comes as regional leaders continue to highlight the North East’s growing clean energy opportunity, with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness recently outlining plans to create 25,000 green jobs and position the region at the forefront of the UK’s offshore wind and energy transition ambitions.
Chief Executive of the Port of Blyth, Martin Lawlor OBE, said: ‘“This agreement with Advance Northumberland and JDR marks a significant and welcome expansion of the Energy Central supply chain at the Port of Blyth. The addition of Cambois Dock strengthens the Port’s overall offering, creating the conditions to support world-class offshore wind manufacturing and export activity.
Having supported the offshore wind sector for more than 25 years, this further reinforces our role at the heart of the energy transition and, alongside the proposed expansion of our Battleship Wharf Terminal, strengthens our capacity to support clean energy projects for years to come.”
Ideally positioned to support major offshore wind developments including Dogger Bank Wind Farm, Berwick Bank Wind Farm, Hornsea Wind Farm and Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, the development is set to play a pivotal role in supporting offshore wind deployment and wider low-carbon technologies by providing critical infrastructure for manufacturing, assembly, storage and transportation.
