Metec nets offshore wind hat-trick

A North East engineering firm is riding the renewables wave after securing repeat contracts on one of the UK’s largest offshore wind developments.

South Tyneside-based Metec UK has completed work to produce and supply 1700 sacrificial anodes for the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm in the North Sea. 

The specialist components are designed to protect turbine foundations from corrosion in harsh marine conditions and were engineered and manufactured to precise specifications.

Bosses say the latest project marks a significant milestone for the business, completing a hat-trick of contracts across the Hornsea Zone after previously supplying anodes for Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2. 

Over the past nine years, Metec has played a consistent role in supporting the delivery of the large-scale offshore wind programme.

Simon Cross, production manager at Metec, said: “Supporting all three phases of one of the world’s largest offshore wind farm zones is a testament to the fantastic team we’re fortunate to have here in South Shields.

“Over the past 30 years, we have built a stellar reputation for our technical capability, manufacturing consistency and proven track record when it comes to delivering large-scale corrosion protection solutions and this further builds on that success.”

Located around 120 kilometres off the UK’s east coast, Hornsea 3 is being developed by Ørsted and is expected to become one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms. 

Once operational, it will have the capacity to power more than three million homes across Britain, underlining the scale of the opportunity within the sector.

Metec worked closely on the project with fellow North East engineering firm Smulders, which is responsible for producing the gargantuan steel structures used in the turbine’s foundations. 

The collaboration highlights the strength of the region’s offshore wind supply chain and its growing reputation in renewables and advanced manufacturing.

Simon added: “The rise of the offshore wind industry has helped us really diversify our offering and continue to grow our presence in the North East over the past decade.

“On top of the three Hornsea developments, we’ve also supplied anodes for several other developments and as more wind farms come online, we are hopeful that it will lead to an even healthier pipeline of work over the coming years. 

“It’s a really exciting time for the business.”

Metec established its UK renewables and maritime arm in South Shields in 2016 and has since expanded its presence in the borough. 

The company has worked closely with South Tyneside Council, receiving support for energy efficiency improvements at its headquarters and signing up to the South Tyneside Pledge, which encourages businesses to back local jobs, skills and supply chains.

Councillor Margaret Meling, lead member for economic growth at South Tyneside Council, added: “As well as helping establish South Tyneside as a hotbed for advanced engineering, the company has also created apprenticeship and skilled job opportunities for local people and through the South Tyneside Pledge has gone above and beyond to benefit the local community and businesses.

“It is a real success story for the borough and I’m sure the best is still yet to even come.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →