Port of Sunderland is celebrating after signing a significant storage and offshore cable base contract with one of the world’s most profitable energy companies, E.ON.
The port is due to take delivery of two 600 tonne substations in November as part a Humber Gateway Windfarm project, after a raft of developments designed to make the most of the port’s natural assets freed up swathes of land ready to be utilised. The project will also see an offshore cable lay vessel and offshore barge based at the port.
Formed in 2000 after a merger between energy companies VEBA and VIAG, German powercompany E.ON is the world’s largest investor-owned energy service provider and will utilise a purpose built storage area on Greenwells Quay, before being shipped out to the Humber Gateway windfarm next year.
The substations, which will be held at the port for six to 12 months, will be delivered via barge and transported via self-propelled trailers to a temporary base using a roll on – roll off (ro-ro) ramp facility.
Matthew Hunt, port director said:
“The E.ON contract is an exciting opportunity for Port of Sunderland, with a very visible workscope which allows us to demonstrate our ultra-large cargo handling capability.”
“E.ON are a globally respected company and it’s a pleasure to be able to accommodate their storage requirements. To attract an organisation like E.ON is fantastic and we are confident that we can build upon this and further cement Sunderland’s reputation as a progressive and responsive port able to compete on a national and international scale.”
Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council and chair of the port board , said: “It’s a positive step forward for Port of Sunderland to see a company operating on an international scale call upon them for such a large storage project.”
“Reconfiguration work has come a long way at the port and the line-up of developments that have taken place to enhance our offer to customers, have no doubt helped to position it as an appealing base for many companies.”
Press release, October 29, 2013; Image: makeitsunderland