A supply chain event for companies looking to secure work on the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) has been hailed as a “huge boost” to the north-east.
EOWDC developer Vattenfall said yesterday the fully-booked gathering at Aberdeen’s Chester Hotel attracted 250 delegates from about 200 companies.
The Swedish company also announced it had awarded the first local contracts to three firms – Aberdeen-based TVP Studios and Blackdog companies Donside Safety and Archer Marketing.
Vattenfall did not say how much the contracts were worth.
Three “tier one” preferred suppliers previously chosen for the development will account for most of the £300million spend. They are J Murphy & Sons, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind and Boskalis, which are headquartered in London, Denmark and the Netherlands respectively.
The supply chain event was organised to allow potential bidders for work on the 92.4 megawatt, 11-turbine project to meet main contractors.
Adam Ezzamel, EOWDC project director at Vattenfall, said: “It’s good to get the first local contracts agreed. They may be modest but they help secure employment in the area.
“I look forward to welcoming more local companies to the project in the coming months.
“We are committed to accelerating the development of wind energy and cost reduction through collaboration and are confident that the north-east will play a valuable role in achieving these aims.”
Aberdeen City Council Leader Jenny Laing said: “Aberdeen is now the largest employer in offshore wind in Scotland by some margin and it’s fantastic more local companies want to be a part of this energy market.”
Aberdeenshire Council Formartine area committee chairman Rob Merson added: “To have our local businesses involved in delivering a project that will demonstrate and test the latest in offshore wind technology is a huge boost to the north-east.
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