Strong evidence emerged yesterday that a much sought after Scottish wind farm contract targeted by BiFab will be manufactured in China.
It was thought a portion of the fabrication deal for 120-turbine jackets at SSE’s Seagreen Wind Farm off the coast of Montrose might be done in Scotland.
But correspondence seen by Energy Voice appears to show that the lion’s share of the work will be carried out at a huge yard close to the South China Sea.
The papers clearly state that a China-headquartered firm has been contracted to undertake jacket fabrication work at Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm.
A spokesman for SSE Renewables refused to deny the claims despite numerous requests for clarification.
He said SSE were “committed to maximising Scottish and UK content during the construction and operation” of the wind project.
He added: “We are working closely with our industry peers, and both the UK and Scottish governments, to further develop the capability of the UK and Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain so that local, Scottish and UK businesses can further benefit from the opportunities that this this growing sector presents.”
The Chinese site is understood to be Zhuhai Fabrication Yard, owned by Cooec-Fluor Heavy Industries.
The yard, one of the largest in the world, is located in a free trade zone and boasts a “low-cost, skilled” workforce.
The news will come as further blow to BiFab who has lost out on a number of big wind turbine contracts to foreign firms.
The company is set to manufacture eight jackets for the 54-turbine Neart Na Gaoithe (NnG) wind project of the coast of Fife, while the rest will be built in Indonesia.
A spokesman for BiFab owner DF Barnes would not be drawn on the claims but said the firm was “focussed on the future and on winning new contracts”.