EnBW and JERA Nex bp, joint developers of the Mona and Morgan wind farms in the Irish Sea, have signed lease agreements to utilise Belfast Harbour’s D1 terminal for the assembly and marshalling of wind turbine components.
The GBP100 million (USD131.6 million) commitment underscores “the port’s reputation as a key hub for the offshore wind sector in the UK and Ireland”, said Belfast Harbour. To accommodate the projects, works are being undertaken at the harbour ensuring the site is ready for use from 2028.
Nathalie Oosterlinck, ceo JERA Nex bp said: “The Mona and Morgan joint venture’s planned commitment of over GBP100 million to Belfast Harbour is a direct contribution to the infrastructure needed to drive the energy transition. This highlights the power of collaboration in driving energy security – the offshore wind industry can not only power millions of homes with clean, homegrown energy but also support job creation and local economic growth.”
Dr Theresa Donaldson, chair of Belfast Harbour, added: “Belfast is the only port on the island of Ireland with offshore wind capabilities and we are delighted to work with the Mona and Morgan projects, whose commitment will position the port and local supply chain as central to the deployment of high-capacity wind farms, helping meet demand for clean energy as Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain strive to reach net zero targets.”
As a Trust Port, Belfast Harbour reinvests all profits back into the port and Belfast Harbour estate. This deal has enabled Belfast Harbour to invest GBP90 million (USD118.4 million) in construction works at its ‘D3 terminal’ for a new dual-purpose cruise and offshore wind site. Stage 1 of the project, to build a new deepwater berth, is already under construction.
Stage 2 will see the terminal further reinforced to handle the next generation of offshore wind turbines. This stage will also enable the provision of shore power facilities, so that vessels can run on clean energy while docked.
