The Dutch holding WP Group will build a facility for its WP Offshore unit at a new location in Eemshaven in mid-2015. The contract for this was recently signed with Groningen Seaports.
WP Offshore has opted for a new building at this location because of the excellent position with respect to the offshore wind farms in the North Sea, especially those in the German Bight. Moreover, Eemshaven meets all maritime requirements for housing an offshore wind facility.
According to Valery Aladjev, Director of WP Offshore BV, the transportation of personnel to the offshore working area is one of the challenges for the company. He revealed that a heliport, due to be built near Eemshaven in the near future, had a significant influence on their decision to build at the new location. With that type of infrastructure, there will be more flexibility in staff deployment, which will speed up the maintenance process.
In the area of 3.200m², next to the current Gulf establishment, the company will build an office along with a workshop for small repairs. The rest of the site will be fitted for the storage of materials for the offshore wind industry. Over the coming months, this section of the Emmahaven will be made ready for operation.
Offshore WIND Staff; Image: WP Offshore