Wind Turbines could soon be manufactured in the Port Of Hull (UK)

ABP last month submitted a proposal to the Transport Select Committee, outlining the proposals for a Humber Green Economy Gateway.

In addition to a £100 million manufacturing base, ABP Hull also highlighted its potential to offer further port land to support a much wider cluster of manufacturing businesses.

In its written submission to the Transport Select Committee, ABP pointed out the developments would mitigate the impact on the environment by using existing port infrastructure, therefore offering “a fast-track route” to creating green jobs and growth in the economy.

The committee yesterday travelled to Hull to speak to leading business and political figures before heading to the port for a tour of the proposed site.

Matt Jukes, port director, said: “The committee’s visit is very timely because the Humber Green Economy Gateway is a potential model for helping to transform the economy in other regions across the UK.

“It is a strategy that focuses on achieving the coalition Government’s objectives of delivering green growth and re-balancing the economy.”

The announcement strengthens the prospects of East Yorkshire becoming a renewable energy hub, which was given a further boost last month following the Government’s promise to plough funding into offshore wind farms.

As previously reported in the Mail, the city is in the running to land an £80 million wind turbine plant planned by Siemens.

ABP would not confirm the German firm was behind yesterday’s proposal, although the Mail understands a formal announcement will be made next month.

Councillor Carl Minns, leader of Hull City Council, also travelled to the port to meet the delegation of ministers. He said the visit underlined the city’s key position to become a hub for the rapidly emerging renewables sector.

He said: “This is about Hull collectively working together to show the Transport Committee the plans for bringing new jobs and wind turbine manufacturing to the north bank of the Humber.”

The Green Economy Gateway concept, which will be formally launched by ABP next month, will kick off with a substantial development on the riverside of Alexandra Dock. ABP said the concept “will use the skills developed through offshore wind manufacturing and the excellent access to international markets provided by the Port Of Hull” to attract further renewable technology and manufacturing businesses.

These businesses will be located on key strategic sites in the port and across the wider city and region.

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