One of the oldest firms in Liverpool, Bibby Marine, is backing a new industry push to accelerate the growth of offshore wind power. Tony McDonough reports

Bibby Marine is partnering with Maritime UK and Renewable UK to launch the Offshore Wind Plan to accelerate the growth of offshore wind power.

Part of the 200-year-old Bibby Line Group in Liverpool, Bibby Marine is backing the plan which makes a series of recommendations for how the maritime industry can reach its net zero goals.

It was launched on Wednesday at the Offshore Renewable Catapult Operation and Maintenance Centre of Excellence at the Port of Grimsby.

Nigel Quinn, chief executive of Bibby Marine, said: “We are excited to be part of this launch and to have played such a key role in the development of the Offshore Wind Plan. It’s great to see all parts of the industry recognising that the time to act is now.

“We are at a pivotal time in our industry and this report reflects the importance of acting now for both the benefit of the industry and the environment.”

Today also sees the launch of a new Joint Maritime and Renewable Working Group, of which Bibby Marine is part of. The group brings together industry and the Government to focus on delivering the plan’s recommendations.

Liverpool city region has become a hub for the offshore wind sector. Burbo Bank and Burbo Bank Extension are located in Liverpool Bay, four miles north of Wirral. They comprise 57 turbines and operated by Ørsted which has a base in Birkenhead.

Gwynt y Môr, off the North Wales coast, is even bigger. It comprises 160 3.6MW turbines. Earlier in 2021, plans were submitted to build 107 new turbines in the wind farm. These would offer more than 100MW of electricity.

Combined, the Liverpool Bay wind farms can generate power for 700,000 homes.

In late 2021, LBN reported that Liverpool city region firms could. become suppliers for two giant wind farms planned for the Irish Sea that could provide power for 3.4m homes

“We believe the UK has a clear and present opportunity to grow offshore wind, lead the world in decarbonising the maritime sector, building skills, and developing substantial export opportunities for the UK shipbuilding industry,” added Nigel.

“We believe the launch of the Offshore Wind Plan and formation of the Joint Maritime and Renewable Working Group are key to achieving the environmental and economic boost for our industry and the environment.”

Key recommendations and proposals within the plan include:

• Creating quality career pathways for young people.
• Rewarding higher UK supply chain content in offshore wind projects.
• Reforming the planning system to enable green projects to be delivered quicker .
• Encouraging lenders and investors to finance infrastructure and vessels.

Maritime UK chair Robin Mortimer, said: “The maritime sector already plays a key role in our collective efforts to deliver a cleaner and more sustainable future by the middle of this century.

“Maritime UK’s Offshore Wind Plan sets out how delivering energy security through growing offshore wind can drive economic growth and job creation across the country through the maritime supply chain.”

Bibby Marine is also leading the way in the development of cleaner offshore support vessels. Late last year it secured Government funding in the second round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 2.