Three companies have been chosen as the preferred bidders for the Galloper Operations & Maintenance (O&M) base in deals totalling over GBP 7 million, innogy announced today (28 July).
The agreements are for the construction of the Galloper offshore wind farm O&M base and its associated infrastructure at Harwich International Port, and all of the winning bidders are UK based with two of the contracts being awarded to East coast firms.
The preferred bidders have been confirmed as Ipswich-based R G Carter for the construction of the O&M building; Ipswich-based Jackson Civil Engineering Group, for the construction of the access road; and Farrans Construction, for the fabrication and installation of the pontoon.
A planning application is currently being progressed for the O&M building and infrastructure. If successful and the development is given the green light, the three construction contracts will become live.
A decision on the planning application for the Operations & Maintenance base is expected to be made later this summer.
Galloper Operations & Maintenance Manager, Sean Chenery said: “The O&M base will be the hub for all of the activity to maintain and operate the wind farm over its 23 year life. Therefore these contracts and the construction of the base would signify the beginning of a major long-term investment and jobs boost for the area.”
“We were very impressed with the expertise and professionalism of all of the selected preferred bidders. They will be integral to helping us deliver the state-of-the-art Galloper renewables base in Harwich,” Chenery added.
James Wilson , Director and General Manager at R G Carter which has been established in Essex for nearly 40 years and employs 45 people, said: “R G Carter is delighted to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this innovative project. This facility will not only benefit the local community but will also involve substantial investment into the local economy for years to come.”
The construction of the Galloper project, which is expected to be complete by Spring 2018, is being led on behalf of the project partners by innogy SE. Once operational, the project will generate enough power for up 336,000 homes.