Able UK, Siemens Back Offshore Wind Connections 2015

Leading renewables businesses and industry figures are backing the Offshore Wind Connections 2015 conference and exhibition to be held on June 4 at the Spa, Bridlington.

Team Humber Marine Alliance (THMA) has just announced headline lead sponsorship by Able UK, and by Siemens and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Mark O’Reilly, chairman of the business development organisation THMA, said: “Three of the UK’s largest wind farms and 80 per cent of all North Sea offshore wind farms are on our doorstep and 60 per cent of the entire European offshore wind projects to be built by 2020 is within 12 hours vessel steaming time.”

OWC2015 will provide the latest updates from industry as well as key topics including supply chain opportunities, UK content, cost reduction, Lean efficiencies, inward investment, and funding for growth and skills.

Neil Etherington, group development director at lead sponsor Able UK, said offshore wind presents the Humber with a fantastic opportunity to become a world-leading central hub serving this new exciting and dynamic business sector.

Siemens project director in Hull, Finbarr Dowling, said the offshore wind industry is facing up to the challenge of the lifetime cost of energy: “Whether it’s streamlining our processes or localising supply chains, every aspect of our industry can and will be challenged and continuously improved.”

Expert speakers and contributors lined up include Dong Energy UK, Forewind and Green Port Growth.

Forewind’s general manager and project director Tarald Gjerde said businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber are well placed to play a significant role in the construction and operation of the Dogger Bank wind farms and associated offshore and onshore electrical infrastructure.

The morning session featuring contributions from guest speakers will be followed after lunch by seminars and workshops on specific subjects.

Wind farm developers, owners, industry trade bodies and companies along the length of the offshore wind supply chain will be attending, including manufacturers, port operators, marine support, vessel owners and operations and maintenance service providers.

There will be networking opportunities at the post-event reception at Sewerby Hall, Bridlington and a chance to attend the Yorkshire International Business Convention, which is being held at The Spa the following day (June 5).