New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership has welcomed the opening of a new offshore wind support facility in Great Yarmouth.
Norfolk-based Fendercare Marine is investing more than £1m in the new base at Cobholm to provide a range of support services to the rapidly-growing offshore wind industry.
New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership director Mark Goodall is speaking at the launch of the new facility today (Thursday, July 19) alongside Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis and John Best, Fendercare Marine head of sustainable energy.
Fendercare Marine, part of marine services provider James Fisher and Sons, has seen considerable growth and expansion over the past few years and is expected to turnover in excess of £160m this year.
The facility is the latest investment by businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk who are winning contracts and business in the offshore wind sector. The base has mooring facilities for up to three offshore support craft and additional capacity on land for a further five vessels.
Mr Goodall said: “I am delighted to be speaking at the launch of this new facility. Fendercare is a great example of the world class expertise in the energy sector we have in Norfolk and Suffolk.
“The business is building on its track record in providing marine services to shipping and oil and gas to take advantage of opportunities in renewable energy and we are keen to support their growth.”
Growing the energy sector is a key priority for the New Anglia LEP, which earlier this year launched its new Enterprise Zone covering parts of Great Yarmouth and the Lowestoft area.
The Enterprise Zone is targeting businesses in the energy sector, from offshore wind to nuclear and oil and gas.
Eligible businesses moving into the Enterprise Zone are entitled to business rates relief and can also take advantage of simplified planning permission, improved broadband, as well as access to an established supply chain and skilled workforce.
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Offshore WIND Staff, July 19, 2012; Image: Fendercare Marine