OREC overview opens eyes to innovative opportunities in offshore wind
A fascinating insight into the collaborative opportunities offered by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult has been provided to Humber Marine & Renewables members.
The innovation-driven team, a leading element behind Grimsby’s operations and maintenance centre of excellence status, opened the doors to the Port Office base for a deep dive into the capabilities.
OREC’s business development manager, Nicola Robinson, led the detailed overview from the heart of the cluster, with the venue overlooking the Royal Dock home of leading developers Orsted and RWE.
Touching on developments from crew transfer to cable fatigue, drone use to the world’s largest connected 5G offshore wind living lab here on the Humber, technology and skills support was explored, with specialist facilities and programmes highlighted.
As part of the briefing, members were also introduced to Oasis Academy Wintringham’s broadening work experience programmes, with vice principal Craig Monahan outlining. OREC provides enterprise advice to the Grimsby school. Members who can help provide a valuable day for students to gain insight to work are urged to contact them, with details to follow.
MGH Offshore kindly provided the sponsorship of refreshments for the event, with sales and business development manager Paul Johnson giving an overview of the company, as it looks to further enhance its presence in the region.
Director David Laister oversaw the event on behalf of HM&R. He said: “This was a very informative session for members, where access opportunities to developments at the cutting edge of the sector were highlighted.
“It is hard to believe we’ve now got 20 years’ experience in offshore wind activity on the Humber. We’ve gone from those first ventures from Port of Grimsby East to assess conditions and gather data, to a world-leading cluster for operations and maintenance, with construction and assembly expertise emerging at speed over the last decade too.
“Behind it all is innovation, often entrepreneurial in its beginnings. While the industry matures, this won’t change. Solutions and practices that are better, safer, quicker and more efficient will always be sought, so it was great to understand more about how they can be delivered to and with the industry.”