Two major infrastructure upgrade projects are underway in the Netherlands and the UK to support the growth of the offshore wind industry. The Buss Terminal Eemshaven and Groningen Seaports have initiated the WINdQUAY project, which aims to strengthen the load-bearing capacities of the quay area to accommodate heavy-duty offshore wind installation vessels. The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is providing funding support for the project. The upgraded infrastructure will enable the quay area to withstand significant loads of wind turbine components and installation vessels, facilitating the efficient loading and unloading of massive structures.
In the UK, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has awarded over $71 million to the Port of Cromarty Firth to support the expansion of its facilities. The funding will go towards the construction of a custom-built integration hub for floating offshore wind farm construction, known as the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS). The project, which is expected to be completed by 2027, will create 170-320 jobs during the construction phase and provide the necessary facilities for the construction, installation, and operational support of offshore and floating offshore wind farms.
Both projects demonstrate the significant investment being made in the growth of the offshore wind industry, with a focus on supporting the development of large-scale, floating wind farms. The upgraded facilities will enable the efficient and safe transportation of massive offshore wind turbine components, setting the stage for a major increase in offshore wind capacity in the coming years.