The Port of Blyth has reached an agreement with major tenant Royal IHC that will see the offshore engineering firm commit their long term future to the port’s offshore energy support base.
The port plans to make several key improvements to the firm’s facility at its South Harbour terminal including the construction of a brand new office complex to house more than 60 staff, expansion of workshop space and the installation of improved parking facilities for up to 250 vehicles.
Martin Lawlor, chief executive at Port of Blyth, said: “We’re thrilled to have concluded these negotiations and to come to an agreement with a high profile market leader like Royal IHC. They have been a key component in the growth of the offshore energy support base at Port of Blyth since they arrived and their commitment highlights the exciting times that clearly lie ahead for the port, with infrastructure improvements ongoing and other major opportunities being pursued.”
Royal IHC managing director Paul Hardisty, said: “Since transferring our main UK construction facility to the Port of Blyth we have worked closely on developing a strong mutually beneficial partnership. This long term agreement confirms Royal IHC’s confidence in Port of Blyth as the right location to deliver our increasingly innovative products into growing markets.”
“Royal IHC recently delivered a large pipelay system out of its Port of Blyth facility and is currently completing several subsea systems. Client and market confidence in the company has led to recent contract awards for a further two pipelay systems to be constructed at the Port of Blyth facility during 2019.”
This development follows closely on from the news that the Reece Group’s Responsive Engineering have set up a new fabrication facility at the port aimed at supporting the offshore wind sector.