Port of Blyth lines up £100m clean energy expansion
The Battleship Wharf Expansion was launched yesterday by partners Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Council, and the North East Combined Authority, and aims to deliver upgraded marine and terminal infrastructure to increase operational capacity and enable larger offshore energy projects.
The overall aim is to position the Port of Blyth as a main player in the UK’s transition to clean energy, expanding its infrastructure to support emerging low carbon technologies, and delivering long-term economic and environmental benefits.
The early development phase is being funded by all three partners, match-funding a £275,000 grant from The Crown Estate that was awarded through its Supply Chain Accelerator programme.
Around seven acres of reclaimed land and up to 260 metres of quay extensions will house the new infrastructure, alongside rock revetment linking to the new deepwater berth adjacent to JDR cable factory.
Channel and berth deepening will allow larger vessels to access the Port, supported by additional heavy-duty handling equipment to accommodate offshore components.
Collectively, these enhancements are expected to attract clean energy manufacturers, generate new jobs, and deliver economic benefits to the North East through increased investment and a more resilient clean energy supply chain.
The project comes at the same time as The Crown Estate confirmed it is investigating new seabed leasing options directly off the North East coastline for offshore wind projects.
While site details and delivery models are still to be defined, the exercise signals the government’s intent to scale up the UK’s offshore wind pipeline and attract developer interest ahead of the next build-out cycle, with announcements due in 2027.
The town of Blyth is also heavily invested in the clean energy industry, with the Energy Central Campus at the heart of its £95m Energising Blyth investment plan. Phase one, the Energy Central Hub at the Port of Blyth, was completed in 2024 and opened last year. It will provide higher-level education to support growth in the town’s clean energy sector.
Phase two, the Energy Central Institute, was approved by Northumberland Council last year but has ran into budget issues, with the original budget of around £19.1m, including build costs of £11m, rising to an estimated £25m. The council recently reallocated funds intended for a hotel in Blyth to ensure the project can complete.
Martin Lawlor, chief executive of the Port of Blyth, said: “This is a landmark moment for the Port and for the wider region. The Battleship Wharf Expansion will ensure we have the infrastructure, capacity, and capability to support the next generation of offshore wind and clean energy projects.
“With strong backing from our regional partners, we are taking a significant step forward in driving sustainable growth, creating jobs, and reinforcing Blyth’s position at the heart of the UK’s energy transition.”
Henry Kippin, chief executive of the North East Combined Authority, said: “This investment is part of the Mayor’s mission to make the North East the home of the Green Energy Revolution.
“By supporting infrastructure like the Battleship Wharf Expansion, we are strengthening our region’s ability to deliver offshore wind at scale, unlocking jobs and investment, and ensuring the North East is ready to seize the opportunities created by new seabed leasing off our coast.
“The North East Combined Authority is proud to be supporting the early development of this scheme. By backing strategic infrastructure like this, we are helping to unlock long-term investment, create skilled jobs, and ensure our region is fully prepared to take advantage of new offshore wind opportunities off the North East coast.
“This is exactly the kind of partnership-led, delivery-focused investment that will drive sustainable growth, strengthen supply chains and ensure the benefits of the clean energy transition are felt across our communities.”
Cllr Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The port is at the heart of the clean energy revolution and it’s vital in an increasingly competitive world that Blyth and Northumberland remain at the forefront of this industry.
“With massive investment already committed to the surrounding area, this will be yet another reason for manufacturers to set up in our county.”
