8 hours Ago By [email protected] (Graeme Whitfield)
PD Ports, the operator of Teesport, has unveiled plans for a £200m development aimed at the renewable energy industry, which could potentially create a "significant" number of new jobs. The company has released details for the Teesport Offshore Gateway, a 180-acre development on largely unused land near the Teesport Container Terminal, designed to accommodate businesses in the net zero sector. The project will involve building a kilometre-long deepwater riverside quay to house some of the large vessels used in offshore energy.
PD Ports is seeking to collaborate with businesses, exports and the Government to develop the area. While these plans are still in their "early stage", they come at a time when the UK, and Teesside specifically, are looking to reap both economic and environmental benefits from the shift towards cleaner energy. Several significant renewable energy developments are already in progress in Teesside, including the SeAH wind turbine factory, the Net Zero Teesside Power project, and efforts to implement carbon capture technology.
However, last month saw a setback for the region when BP scrapped plans for a green hydrogen plant, choosing instead to focus on oil and gas projects. PD Ports has announced plans for a new deep-water berth, which they believe will "future-proof" the port and expand opportunities for bulk and container facilities, complementing existing operations at Teesport Container Terminal and Tees Bulks Quay, reports . Frans Calje, PD Ports' CEO, said: "One of Teesside’s great strengths is its ability to reinvent itself in the face of change.
“As the UK and the wider world turns its attention to large-scale renewable energy sources, here at PD Ports we see the opportunity – and the responsibility - to play our part by offering an offshore wind development site that is perfectly positioned to unlock the capability of our region, not only as a hub for trade and industry, but also to deliver the clean energy revolution. “Teesport and the River Tees has everything required to successfully operate what we believe will be one of the largest offshore wind manufacturing and assembly hubs on the east coast of the UK, offering unrivalled access to the North Sea. “Although these proposals are at an early stage, we are confident that this development will support the UK Government’s ambitions for future offshore wind power generation.
“We also firmly believe that a facility such as this will lead to significant job creation - driving growth, employment and skills training opportunities in our coastal communities.”.
