PD Ports looks to develop £200m Teesport Offshore Gateway

The clean energy hub would be one of the UK’s largest offshore wind manufacturing and installation schemes, unlocking 180 acres of development land for a range of manufacturing opportunities.

The ambition for the site is to place Teesport, the UK’s sixth largest port, at the centre of the country’s push towards Net Zero and energy independence.

Plans are at an early stage and subject to a variation of existing deep water berth development consents, although the site already has planning consent and marine consent, subject to amendments, to extend an existing riverside berth to develop the 15.5m deep-water mooring. 

This would be large enough to accommodate all current and planned offshore installation vessels available globally. 

PD Ports hopes the development will include an up to 1km long deep-water riverside quay, permitting unrestricted access to the North Sea and suitable for both floating and fixed bottom offshore wind development.  

Set within the heart of PD Ports’ Teesport industrial port complex, the UK’s sixth largest port, the site offers a strategically located position for development, supported by quality infrastructure, strong road and rail links, and a skilled workforce.  

By announcing the plans at this early stage, PD Ports is hoping to engage with the offshore renewables industry to work alongside manufacturers, government, and experts to shape the scheme and identify areas for collaboration and funding.

Frans Calje, chief executive officer of PD Ports, said: “One of Teesside’s great strengths is its ability to reinvent itself in the face of change.  

“As the UK and the wider world turns its attention to large-scale renewable energy sources, here at PD Ports we see the opportunity – and the responsibility – to play our part by offering an offshore wind development site that is perfectly positioned to unlock the capability of our region, not only as a hub for trade and industry, but also to deliver the clean energy revolution. 

“Teesport and the River Tees has everything required to successfully operate what we believe will be one of the largest offshore wind manufacturing and assembly hubs on the east coast of the UK, offering unrivalled access to the North Sea. 

“Although these proposals are at an early stage, we are confident that this development will support the UK Government’s ambitions for future offshore wind power generation. 

“We also firmly believe that a facility such as this will lead to significant job creation – driving growth, employment and skills training opportunities in our coastal communities.”