Norfolk firms have wind in their sales

Two Norfolk-based marine companies are set to benefit from a multi-million-pound boost through their involvement in one of the UK’s largest offshore wind farm projects.

ScottishPower Renewables – part of the Iberdrola Group – has signed £16 million worth of vessel charter agreements with NR Marine Services and OEG to support construction of its 1.4GW East Anglia THREE windfarm, due to come online in 2026.

Bosses say NR Marine will supply two crew transfer vessels from its Caister base, including the low-emission NR Rebellion, while Great Yarmouth-based OEG will provide the support vessel Tess for long-term guard operations, in what is being described as “a real show of confidence” in “how the East of England can service the offshore wind industry”.

George Moore, business development director for OEG, said: “It is a source of great pride here at OEG that our collaboration with ScottishPower Renewables continues to flourish as our shared commitment to developing a truly robust local supply chain endures. 

“We now look forward to delivering a safe and efficient project.” 

Owen Nutt, director of NR Marine Services, added: “It’s exciting to be supporting ScottishPower and East Anglia THREE right here on our home turf. 

“This is the biggest charter we’ve ever signed up to and it’s a real show of confidence not just in NR Marine Services, but in what this region can offer the offshore wind industry as a whole.

“Thanks to trusted partners like ScottishPower, we’re growing faster than ever before and doubled both our fleet and our headcount in the last year alone – including more local recruitment – thanks to the strength of our order book. 

“That’s a win-win for the region and the UK and we look forward to playing our part in seeing East Anglia THREE take shape over the coming weeks and months.”  

All vessels will operate out of Lowestoft as part of the East of England’s growing offshore energy cluster, helping power more than 1.3 million homes with clean energy.

Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ managing director for offshore, added: “It’s fantastic to have NR Marine Services and OEG on board – supporting the construction of East Anglia THREE right on their doorstep, bringing more investment and opportunity to the region and contributing to a cleaner and greener future for us all. 

“It’s also terrific to be using vessels that were built here in the UK to support the country’s clean power ambitions.

“These charter agreements are testament to how the East of England can service the offshore wind industry – not just here in the UK, but right across the globe.”

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