A huge deal between the Port of Sheerness’ owner and wind giant Vestas could considerably decrease fruit handling at the port.
Peel Ports has revealed that it had signed an option agreement giving wind turbine manufacturer Vestas exclusive rights to a large area of land at Sheerness in Kent.
The agreement allows Vestas to build a fully integrated wind turbine manufacturing and installation facility to serve the UK and European offshore market.
Sheerness is one of the foremost fresh produce ports in the UK, handling an average volumes of around 887,000 tonnes a year.
Vestas will take 70 hectares of land at the port.
The UK represents the world’s largest offshore wind market and as such has a massive offshore project pipeline.
“We have shown our intentions to make major investments and subsequent job creation, but it is evident that we don’t just jump head first into an investment of this size. We need to make sure it makes sense business wise,” said Anders Søe-Jensen, president of Vestas Offshore.
“Before our customers can provide us with the needed order pipeline, they need to see stability in the market and a long-term political and regulatory certainty that ensures their business case. Making that happen lies in the hands of the policy makers.”
Peel Ports Medway MD Paul Kavanagh said: “We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone with Vestas, resulting in a fantastic opportunity for the port and town of Sheerness. This facility would bring a very significant number of jobs to an area which desperately needs employment.”
Capespan, which is based at the port, confirmed it is looking for a new UK base and said it is “investigating options” for the move. The business is “very confident” of finding a perfect site and ensuring a “seemless transition for our customers”.
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