Offshore wind pioneer Kurt Christensen to be remembered with apprenticeship award in his name
Recognition of the enormous contribution made by one individual to many who have forged careers in offshore wind will be a highlight of the Humber Renewable Awards, when the ceremony takes place later this week.
Kurt Christensen’s unstinting commitment to helping others progress following a pioneering role at the forefront of the region’s introduction to offshore wind will be celebrated at the gala dinner that closes Offshore Wind Connections 2026.
The Apprentice of the Year award – one of the strongest categories in the 14-year history of the event – will now bear his name, underlining the support, time and effort he dedicated to many making their mark in the industry.
Kurt passed away last summer, following a short illness bravely fought, with the 2025 Humber Renewables Awards his last appearance representing Humber Marine and Renewables.
Knighted twice by his native Denmark, ‘Sir’ Kurt was part of the original regional support group, Grimsby Renewables Partnership, becoming a director when it was formalised as a member organisation. He continued to serve on the board of what became Humber Marine & Renewables, when GRP merged with Team Humber Marine Alliance, in 2022.
The first-class royal recognition from across the North Sea – Decoration of Knight, first degree of the Order of Dannabrog – was given in 2012 for helping foster relations in offshore wind, having also served as Danish Consul for the region. For many who knew him, that was his mark. A convener, collaborator, ambassador, lobbyist and, undoubtedly, a champion.
In 2023 his immense contribution was recognised at the Humber Renewables Awards, when he was crowned Humber Renewables Champion, with Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce also having presented him with their highest accolade at the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards in 2016.
Andrew Oliver, chair of Humber Marine & Renewables, said: “We were all devastated to learn of the passing of Kurt, and unanimous that his was a life worth honouring in the very best way we could.
“Our awards give us a great platform, and having been a recipient, judge and willing champion, it is a really fitting opportunity to do just that.”
Kurt’s wife, Carol, will be at the ceremony as a guest of Humber Marine & Renewables, alongside her son, Carsten.
She said: “Kurt’s passion was always people, first doing what he could to ensure the opportunity was here, in Grimsby particularly, then helping them get a foot on the ladder. I was taken aback by the number of people who approached me to tell me of his influence on them and their careers, since he passed.
“This award really fits the bill, and it brings immense pride to think he will go on inspiring the emerging generation too.”
The Kurt Christensen Award for Apprentice of the Year is one of 10 accolades to be presented at the event, held in partnership with Iconic Media Group, publisher of the Yorkshire Post and Insider.
The Humber Renewables Awards take place at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Hull, on Thursday, April 30.
For tickets, email isobel.reade@iconicmediagroup.co.uk.
Read more: Sir Kurt remembered as a great convener as hundreds gather for industrial conference