Sir Kurt remembered as a great convener as hundreds gather for industrial conference
THE convening abilities of one of Humber Marine and Renewables’ most prominent directors has been remembered at a key event in the region.
Kurt Christensen’s collaborative qualities were recalled as part of Industrial Connections North East Lincolnshire.
Held at Grimsby Auditorium, in the town the Danish fish salesman turned offshore wind entrepreneur made home and went on to champion, host Dave Laister, a former fellow board member of ‘Sir’ Kurt’s, told how the over-arching theme of the mini conference and exhibition would make for a perfect memorial lecture to him, as he reflected on the loss of a mentor, ambassador and friend last summer.
Addressing 270 delegates, Dave said: “I can’t think about collaborations and connections without remembering a dear friend who personified what we’re championing today.
“Sadly, since the inaugural Industrial Connections and this, North East Lincolnshire has lost a legend. ‘Sir’ Kurt Christensen, a fish auctioneer turned wind power entrepreneur. An advocate for the area and its history, an ambassador, a convener, a champion.”
He told how he was “fortunate to make his acquaintance early on,” in his time as a business journalist, as the first vessels were starting to occasionally sail out of Port of Grimsby East to assess what zones off the Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire coast that would become Lynn and Inner Dowsing, Lincs, Race Bank, Triton Knoll, Humber Gateway, Westermost Rough and later the huge Hornsea wind farms.
“Energy companies, primarily used to operating well-established fixed assets, often on dry land to set long-term contracts, were getting involved in maritime, with a whole new industry and its uncertainty. An industry where, if we’re honest, two daily tides at different times each day, is often the most reliable element.
“With Danish blood and Grimsby schooling, Kurt quickly learned of this opportunity knocking. As honourary Danish consul and a close ear to the fish market chat, he picked up on the opportunity, and boy did he run with it. Not only forging a successful business in his own right, having convinced his understanding wife to remortgage their house to build his own crew transfer vessel, he brought his extensive contacts book to the table for those who needed it.
“Centrica and Siemens, giant corporates, needed new supply chains. Procurement strategies don’t make spot purchases of padlocks, light bulbs, ropes and rigging too easy at 8pm on a Saturday night on a strange quayside where they were yet to have a physical presence. They needed a go-to. A go-to with the motto ‘yes is the answer, now what’s the question’.
“He made life easy for big business to conduct their business. But he didn’t keep it to himself, in fact far from it. He understood the high tide lifts all vessel analogy.
“Together with NELC, GFDE and a couple of other early pioneers, the basis of a formal collaboration was formed to welcome this industry with open arms. And take a look round there now, they didn’t do too bad a job of it.
“His work took him beyond our borders and boundaries, but Grimsby was his love and connections he made in a career ‘down dock’ became collaborations that have been wealth enablers and job creators for many.”
Twice knighted by the Danish homeland he’d left at three with his family for the Humber, Mr Christensen was known to many who attended UK and European offshore wind exhibitions, as plain old Kurt, Sir Kurt or Mr Grimsby.
But it was quiet conversations in his dock-side office with those considering a career in the industry that have stuck with many. The many introductions, references and suggestions, given for free.
“In all business dealings,” Dave urged, “please, just be more Kurt”.
Industrial Connections NEL welcomed 270 delegates representing 130 organisations, including several Humber Marine & Renewables members.