FEATURE SPONSOR
BELFAST HARBOUR THE TRANSFORMATION
It is safe to say that the enthusiasm and excitement was almost palpable when I had finished my conversations with Michael Robinson, Port Commercial Manager at Belfast Harbour… whereupon he enlightened me, nay educated me upon the continued and fascinating history, present and future, of this vibrant and thriving Port – one of which I have the pleasure spouting forth…!
IT ALL BEGAN…
The origins of the Belfast Port can be traced back to 1613, when, during the reign of James I, the town was incorporated as a borough by Royal Charter, with the provision for the establishment of a wharf.
As a result, a quay was constructed at the confluence of the rivers Fearset (Farset) and Lagan and so the colourful tale begins – the Port that built the City of Belfast.
GENERATIONS OF INNOVATION
With innovative and forward thinking people over the generations this port has thrived, over 150 years previously this was predominantly ship building, with the advent of manufacturing pioneers, Harland and Wolff… then the aviation/aerospace giants Bombadier, passenger ferries. Success and growth of other burgeoning industries are continuing to do so in this current generation.
Moving with the times to this century and the ever-evolving and transformation for the wind industry, which this interview concentrates on.
VIRTUE OF NATURE
Ideally placed geographically the port is unlike many as nature bestowed the virtues of no tidal restrictions; having the longest deep water quay (1km) and land extending to 2000 acres, strategically located to the city’s infrastructure – which all adds to the attraction for a wide range of companies and potential clients.
TRAIL BLAZERS
As Port Commercial Manager it is the responsibility of Michael Robinson and the team to oversee the smooth running and logistics of this principal maritime gateway for Europe and beyond, having now become a port of strategic importance for wind farms in the west of Britain, not to mention trail-blazers for the wind energy sector.
Very much ahead of its time in the late 90’s the Harbour was becoming increasingly aware of the potential of renewable. Representatives of the Port attended many pertinent trade shows, whereupon in 2010 discussions were held with Dong…the result being D1 Zone, a £50m investment – the largest single investment in the history of Belfast Harbour and the first purpose-built offshore wind installation (reclaimed from the sea) and a pre-assembly harbour for the production of offshore windfarms for Dong projects in the Irish Sea.
COMPLETION BEFORE DEADLINE
Michael goes on to say the 450 metre quay and 50 acre building space was accomplished ahead of the programme deadline, in fact 3 months early allowing Dong to commence installations at the West of Duddon Sands – an accolade in itself!
ECONOMIC BOOM
With the arrival of such an anchor tenant this has had a welcome economic benefit to the area with a local skilled workforce and the associated companies within the supply chain. Also within the world
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In short Michael concludes his thoughts on his role: “Thrive on it – an exciting career and credit to the whole team whom have made this a success, however it does not do to rest on one’s laurels – we need to build on this experience and excel and run with the business.”
Interview by Fliss Chaffer Wind Energy Network
Michael Robinson Belfast Harbour
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
class facility (1km) the Belfast Metropolitan College offers Level 3 HND and BTEC qualifications for engineering training the next generation in collaboration with Dong and Siemens.
Michael goes on to say that they are blessed to have an excellent panel of Board Trustees who are innovative and savvy. With strong cash reserves they were able to deliver the project quickly and are ever-evolving and considering future potential opportunities. They are currently planning another 100 acre site, almost a mirror image of D3 (Dong Site) for offshore windfarms.
Dong have signed a 10 year lease and have proved their confidence by investing in Belfast Harbour with the ability to offer bespoke services, providing massive potential for companies with the infrastructure land and facilities. Working closely with Invest NI and Regional Development Agencies offers additional confidence to potential clients.
IN A NUTSHELL
It has been testament to all those involved whom have collaborated in successfully achieving a massive feat of engineering to accomplish such a thriving hub for this exciting sector:
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